Question

Predict the motion. What happens when you push a box when two different and opposing forces are applied to it?

a) Acceleration
b) Uniform motion
c) Deceleration
d) Static equilibrium

Answer 1

The motion of the box will experience deceleration when two different and opposing forces are applied, as the larger force in the opposing direction dominates and leads to a decrease in velocity. (option c is the correct answer)

Step-by-step explanation:

When two different and opposing forces are applied to a box, the resulting motion depends on the net force acting on the box. If the force applied in one direction is greater than the opposing force, the box will accelerate in that direction. Conversely, if the opposing force is greater, the box will decelerate or come to rest.

Newton's second law, F=ma, states that acceleration (a) is directly proportional to the net force (F) acting on an object and inversely proportional to its mass (m). In this scenario, if the applied force in one direction is larger, the net force will lead to acceleration. If the opposing force is larger, the net force will be in the opposite direction, causing deceleration.