A wooden block of mass is kept on a smooth horizontal table

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Force and Laws of Motion · Force and Laws of Motion

Problem

A wooden block of mass

2\,\text{kg}

is kept on a smooth horizontal table. Two students pull the block in opposite directions along the same straight line. Student P pulls toward the east with a force of

5\,\text{N}

while student Q pulls toward the west with a force of

5\,\text{N}

. After a short time, student P increases the pull to

8\,\text{N}

while student Q continues to pull with

5\,\text{N}

. Answer the following questions related to the motion of the block. (i) Find the magnitude and direction of the net force acting on the block when both students pull with

5\,\text{N}

each. (ii) State and explain the type of motion the block will exhibit during this period. (iii) Calculate the net force acting on the block after student P increases the pull to

8\,\text{N}

. (iv) Explain qualitatively how the motion of the block will change once the pull becomes

8\,\text{N}

eastward and

5\,\text{N}

westward.

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