To determine the direction in which the block will move, we need to calculate the net force acting on the block in both the north-south and east-west directions.
North-South Forces:
- Allie pushes to the north with a force of 18 N.
- Chris pushes to the south with a force of 23 N.
Net force in the north-south direction: \[ F_{\text{NS}} = F_{\text{north}} - F_{\text{south}} = 18, \text{N} - 23, \text{N} = -5, \text{N} \] This means the net force is 5 N towards the south.
East-West Forces:
- Bill pushes to the east with a force of 14 N.
- Debra pushes to the west with a force of 20 N.
Net force in the east-west direction: \[ F_{\text{EW}} = F_{\text{east}} - F_{\text{west}} = 14, \text{N} - 20, \text{N} = -6, \text{N} \] This means the net force is 6 N towards the west.
Now, combining the net forces:
- The net force is 5 N south and 6 N west.
Therefore, the block will move in the direction of the resultant vector which is towards the south and west.
The correct response is: south and west.
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