Net Force and Acceleration Quick Check

Question

4 of 54 of 5 Items
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

north and west
north and west

south and west
south and west

south and east

Answer 1

To find the net force acting on the block, we need to consider the forces applied by each friend in the north-south and east-west directions.

1. North-South Forces:

   • Allie pushes north with 18 N.
   • Chris pushes south with 23 N.

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

2. East-West Forces:

   • Bill pushes east with 14 N.
   • Debra pushes west with 20 N.

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

Now we have the net forces:

• 5 N south
• 6 N west

Since the net forces are both directed south and west, the block will move in the southwest direction.

None of the provided responses directly indicate "southwest." However, based on the response options given, the closest one that reflects the direction of movement is:

south and west.