Question

net force and acceleration quick check
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)
north and west
south and west
south and east
north and east

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze North-South Forces

Allie (north): \( 18\,\text{N} \), Chris (south): \( 23\,\text{N} \). Net force in north-south: \( 23 - 18 = 5\,\text{N} \) south (since south force is larger).

Step2: Analyze East-West Forces

Bill (east): \( 14\,\text{N} \), Debra (west): \( 20\,\text{N} \). Net force in east-west: \( 20 - 14 = 6\,\text{N} \) west (since west force is larger).

Step3: Determine Direction

Combined net forces: south (from north-south) and west (from east-west). So the block moves south and west.

Answer:

B. south and west