Two construction workers are attempting to pull a slab of concrete off of the ground. Each of the workers are pulling up with a force of 225 N, while the slab of concrete applies a gravitational force of 400 N in the opposite direction, remaining stationary.

Question

If the pulling forces applied to the slab of concrete are assigned a positive value, what is the net force of the scenario, and in which direction will the slab of concrete move?

(1 point)
Responses

175 N; the slab will move upward
175 N; the slab will move upward

-175 N; the slab will remain stationary
-175 N; the slab will remain stationary

50 N; the slab will move upward

Answer 1

To determine the net force acting on the slab of concrete, we first need to calculate the total force being applied by the workers and then compare it to the gravitational force acting downward.

The two workers are applying a force of 225 N each upwards:

Total upward force = 225 N + 225 N = 450 N

The gravitational force acting downward is 400 N.

Now, we can calculate the net force:

Net force = Total upward force - Gravitational force
Net force = 450 N - 400 N
Net force = 50 N

Since the net force is positive, the slab of concrete will move in the direction of the applied forces, which is upward.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

50 N; the slab will move upward.