Question

Four friends push on the same block in different directions. Allie pushes on the block to the north with a force of 18 N. Bill pushes on the block to the east with a force of 14 N. Chris pushes on the block to south with a force of 23 N. Debra pushes on the block to the west with a force of 20 N. Assuming it does not move vertically, in which directions will the block move?(1 point)
Responses

south and east
south and east

north and west
north and west

north and east
north and east

south and west

Answer 1

To determine the net force acting on the block, we can break down the forces into their north-south and east-west components.

1. **North-South Forces:**
- Allie pushes north with a force of 18 N.
- Chris pushes south with a force of 23 N.

Net North-South Force = South Force - North Force = 23 N (south) - 18 N (north) = 5 N (south).

2. **East-West Forces:**
- Bill pushes east with a force of 14 N.
- Debra pushes west with a force of 20 N.

Net East-West Force = West Force - East Force = 20 N (west) - 14 N (east) = 6 N (west).

Now we combine these net forces to see the overall direction:

- The net force is 5 N to the south and 6 N to the west.

Since the block has a net force that is greater in the west direction than in the east and greater in the south direction than in the north, the block will move **south and west**.

So the correct response is **south and west**.