Question

analyze based on the forces acting on the wagon in the diagram, is the wagon accelerating? explain your answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

According to Newton's second - law $F = ma$, where $F$ is the net force, $m$ is the mass and $a$ is the acceleration. If there is a non - zero net force acting on an object, the object will accelerate.

Step2: Analyze forces on the wagon

In the diagram, a person is applying a force on the wagon. Assuming no other forces like friction are opposing this applied force in the horizontal direction, there is a non - zero net force acting on the wagon in the direction of the applied force.

Step3: Determine acceleration

Since there is a non - zero net force acting on the wagon and mass is non - zero, from $F = ma$, we can say $a=\frac{F}{m}$ and $a
eq0$. So the wagon is accelerating.

Answer:

Yes, the wagon is accelerating. There is a non - zero net force acting on it (assuming no significant opposing forces like friction), and according to Newton's second law $F = ma$, a non - zero net force on a non - zero mass object results in acceleration.