Question

net force and acceleration quick check
four friends push on the same block in different directions. allie pushes on the block to the north with a force of 18 n. bill pushes on the block to the east with a force of 14 n. chris pushes on the block to south with a force of 23 n. debra pushes on the block to the west with a force of 20 n. assuming it does not move vertically, in which directions will the block move? (1 point)
north and west
south and west
south and east
north and east

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze forces in north - south direction

Forces in north - south direction: Allie's force \(F_{north}=18N\) (north) and Chris's force \(F_{south} = 23N\) (south).
Net force in north - south: \(F_{NS}=F_{south}-F_{north}=23 - 18=5N\) (south)

Step2: Analyze forces in east - west direction

Forces in east - west direction: Bill's force \(F_{east}=14N\) (east) and Debra's force \(F_{west}=20N\) (west).
Net force in east - west: \(F_{EW}=F_{west}-F_{east}=20 - 14 = 6N\) (west)

Answer:

south and west