Question

magnitude and direction of force quick check
in which situation is the magnitude of the total force greater than the magnitude of each of the
individual forces? (1 point)
two people stand on opposite sides of a large box. one pushes, and the other pulls with the same
amount of force
two people stand on the same side of a large box. one pushes, and the other pulls with the same
amount of force
four people stand on each side of a large box. all four people pull the box with the same amount
of force
four people stand on each side of a large box. all four people push the box with the same amount
of force

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the first option

When two people stand on opposite sides of a box, one pushes and the other pulls with the same force. The forces are in the same direction. If the force of each person is \(F\), the total force \(F_{total}=F + F=2F\).

Step2: Analyze the second option

When two people stand on the same side of a box, one pushes and the other pulls with the same force. The forces are in opposite directions. If the force of each person is \(F\), the total force \(F_{total}=F - F = 0\).

Step3: Analyze the third option

When four people stand on each side of a box and all pull. The forces on opposite sides cancel each other out. If the force of each person is \(F\), for the two - side (opposite) pulling, the net force \(F_{total}=4F-4F = 0\).

Step4: Analyze the fourth option

When four people stand on each side of a box and all push. The forces on opposite sides cancel each other out. If the force of each person is \(F\), for the two - side (opposite) pushing, the net force \(F_{total}=4F - 4F=0\).

Answer:

Two people stand on opposite sides of a large box. One pushes, and the other pulls with the same amount of force.