A wooden block of mass is kept on a perfectly smooth ice surface
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A wooden block of mass 2kg is kept on a perfectly smooth ice surface. Two horizontal forces act on the block through light strings.
(i) For the first 5s, forces of 7N each act towards the east and the west respectively. State the value of the net external force and describe the motion of the block during this interval.
(ii) After 5s, the force towards the east is removed while the 7N force towards the west continues to act for the next 5s. Identify the type of forces now acting on the block (balanced or unbalanced) and predict its motion.
(iii) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net external force acting on the block during the second interval.