Question

magnitude and direction of force quick check
two people push a box from opposite directions; the box does not move. which statement best explains this result? (1 point)
the box pushes back on the people.
push forces do not cause motion.
balanced forces do not cause motion.
the forces have different magnitudes.

Explanation:

When two forces act on an object in opposite directions and the object does not move, it means the forces are balanced. According to Newton's first law of motion, an object at rest will remain at rest if the net force acting on it is zero. Balanced forces (forces with equal magnitude and opposite direction) result in a net force of zero, so there is no change in the object's state of motion (it doesn't move). The first option is just a statement about Newton's third law (action - reaction) but doesn't explain why the box doesn't move. The second option is incorrect because push forces can cause motion if they are unbalanced. The fourth option is wrong because if forces have different magnitudes, they are unbalanced and would cause motion.

Answer:

Balanced forces do not cause motion.