Question

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 250 n, while the slab of concrete applies a gravitational force of 400 n in the opposite direction, remaining stationary. 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) 50 n; the slab will move upward -150 n; the slab will remain stationary -100 n; the slab will remain stationary 100 n; the slab will move upward

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate total pulling force

Each worker pulls with 250 N, so total pulling force $F_{pull}=250 + 250=500$ N.

Step2: Calculate net force

Gravitational force $F_{g} = 400$ N (negative as per convention). Net force $F_{net}=F_{pull}-F_{g}=500 - 400 = 100$ N.

Step3: Determine direction of movement

Since net force is positive (upward - as per positive - value assignment for pulling forces), slab will move upward.

Answer:

100 N; the slab will move upward