Question

task 1
a. place 2 people that are the same size the same distance away from the cart.
b. make a prediction about the movement of the cart.
c. after you have observed the actual movement, click on the sum of the forces box at the top right hand corner of the simulation. record the number in the data chart.

	predicted movement	actual movement (none, left, right)	sum of forces (0, x-left, x-right)
		none

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze balanced forces

When two equal forces act on the cart in opposite directions (same size, same distance from the cart), the net force is $\sum F = F_{left} - F_{right} = 0$, since $F_{left}=F_{right}$.

Step2: Predict cart movement

A net force of 0 means no acceleration, so the cart will not move.

Step3: Match actual observation

The actual movement is given as "none", which aligns with the prediction from balanced forces.

Step4: Sum of forces conclusion

Equal and opposite forces result in a net force of 0, so the sum of forces is 0 (no directional movement).

Answer:

Predicted Movement: none

Actual Movement: none

Sum of Forces: 0 (no direction)