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

north and east
north and east

south and east
south and east

north and west
north and west

south and west

Answer 1

To determine the direction in which the block will move, we need to calculate the net forces acting on it in both the north-south and east-west directions.

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

Net force in the north-south direction:
\[
\text{Net North-South Force} = 18 \, \text{N} \, \text{(north)} - 23 \, \text{N} \, \text{(south)} = -5 \, \text{N} \, \text{(south)}
\]

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

Net force in the east-west direction:
\[
\text{Net East-West Force} = 14 \, \text{N} \, \text{(east)} - 20 \, \text{N} \, \text{(west)} = -6 \, \text{N} \, \text{(west)}
\]

Since the net force in the north-south direction is 5 N south, and the net force in the east-west direction is 6 N west, the block will move in the direction of the resultant force, which is **south and west**.

**Correct response:** south and west