Question

Using two spring scales, students pull on opposite sides of a dynamic cart at rest. 7 Newtons of force is pulling left and 5 Newtons force is pulling right. Describe the motion of the cart?

Answer 1

The cart will accelerate to the left

Step-by-step explanation:

The cart is initially at rest. In order to understand its motion, we should consider the net force acting on the cart. We have two forces acting on it:

- A force of 7 N to the left

- A force of 5 N to the right

Therefore, the net force is

`F=7 N -5N=2 N`

in the direction of the stronger force (so, to the left).

According to Newton's second law:

`F=ma`

a net force different from zero produces an acceleration of the object, in the same direction as the net force. Therefore, the cart will accelerate to the left.