Question

Choose the 200 kg file cabinet. Set the applied force to 400 N (to the right). Be sure friction is turned off. What is the net force acting on the file cabinet?

A. The magnitude of the net force is greater than 400N, directed downward and to the right.
B. The net force is zero.
C. The magnitude of the net force is less than 400N, directed to the right.
D. The magnitude of the net force is greater than 400N, directed upward and to the right.
E. The magnitude of the net force is 400N, directed to the right.

Answer 1

The net force on a 200 kg file cabinet with a 400 N force applied to the right and no friction is 400 N to the right; vertical forces cancel out, so the correct answer is E.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the net force acting on a 200 kg file cabinet with an applied force of 400 N to the right and with friction turned off, the net force is the same as the applied force since there are no other horizontal forces acting on the cabinet. This means the net force is 400N directed to the right, as friction, which typically opposes motion, is not present to counteract the applied force. The only forces acting on the cabinet in the vertical direction would be the weight acting downwards and the normal force acting upwards, and these two forces cancel each other out because they are of equal magnitude but opposite in direction. Therefore, the correct answer is E. The magnitude of the net force is 400N, directed to the right.

The net force acting on the file cabinet can be determined by subtracting the force of friction from the applied force. In this case, since friction is turned off, the net force is equal to the applied force. Therefore, the magnitude of the net force is 400N, directed to the right. The answer is option E.