Question

Wo siblings are arguing over what way to pull a 10 kg wagon. Boris wants to pull it to the right. Boris puts 220 N of force on the wagon. Natasha wants to pull it to the left. Natasha puts 250 N of force on the wagon. A) What is the net force on the wagon?B) What is the acceleration of the wagon?(Both parts require you to include the direction with your numerical answer.)

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Then net force acting on the wagon  30 [N] in a negative direction to the left

b)Acceleration of the wagon 3 m/s² in a negative direction to the left

Explanation:

The coordinates x and y show the positive direction in x-axis ( to the right) and negative direction to the left. In north-south direction positive y values are to the north and negative values to the south

The free-body diagram shows 4 forces acting

In y-axis:

The weight ( P = m*g =  10 [kg]*9,8 [m/s²] = 98 [N] negative

Normal reaction force  Fn = P = 98 [N]  positive ( surface is frictionless)

∑Fy = 0     P - Fn = 0     P = Fn  = 98 [N]

In x-axis:

Boris pulling force to the right (positive ) 220 [N]

Natasha pulling force to the left ( negative) 250 [N]

∑Fx = m*a

220 [N] - 250 [N]  = 10 Kg * a                      [N] = Kg * m /s²

-30 [kg*m/s²]  = 10 * Kg * a

-30/10  =  - 3  m/s²  = a

Sign (-) means the direction of acceleration vector is to the left (the same direction of the movement )

Then net force acting on the wagon  30 [N] in negative direction to the left

Acceleration of the wagon 3 m/s² in negative direction to the left