Question

Two people push a cart on a horizontal surface by applying forces F1 and F2 in the same direction. Is the magnitude of the net force acting on the cart, Fnet, equal to, greater than, or less than F1 + F2? Why?

a) Equal to F1 + F2
b) Greater than F1 + F2
c) Less than F1 + F2

Answer 1

The net force Fnet on a cart being pushed by two forces F1 and F2 in the same direction is less than their sum if friction is considered since friction opposes their combined effort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two people push a cart on a horizontal surface with forces F1 and F2 in the same direction, the magnitude of the net force acting on the cart, Fnet, is equal to the sum of F1 and F2 if we ignore friction and other opposing forces. However, if we consider real-world conditions, there will be a force of friction opposing the motion of the cart. In such a scenario, the Fnet would be less than the sum of F1 + F2 because it includes the component of frictional force, which opposes the direction of F1 and F2.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be: c. Fnet < F1 + F2 because the net force will include the component of frictional force.