Question

A block weighing 300 N is moved at a constant speed over a horizontal surface by a force of 50 N applied parallel to the surface. What does the “constant speed” tell you about the forces acting on the block?

Answer 1

The fact that the block is moving at a constant speed tells us that the net force acting on the block is zero, with the force of friction balancing out the applied force.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fact that the block is moving at a constant speed tells us that the net force acting on the block is zero. This means that the force of friction, which opposes the motion of the block, is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the applied force.

In this case, the force of friction is 50 N, which is equal to the applied force. Since the block is moving at a constant speed, the frictional force is balancing out the applied force, resulting in a net force of zero.

This is because according to Newton's first law of motion, an object will continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, in order to maintain a constant speed, the applied force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the frictional force.