A block is pushed northward along a nearly frictionless horizontal floor by a single…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A 2.5kg block is pushed northward along a nearly frictionless horizontal floor by a single horizontal force of 7.0N. A small horizontal wind exerts an additional 1.5N force toward the south on the block.
Respond to the tasks below. Show all calculation steps and include units in your answers.
(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction (north or south) of the net external horizontal force acting on the block.
(b) Determine the magnitude and direction of the block’s horizontal acceleration.
(c) The force of the wind suddenly doubles while the applied 7.0N push remains unchanged. Without re-calculating, state whether the magnitude of the acceleration will increase, decrease, or remain the same, and briefly explain your choice.