Verified Solution Science Exploring Forces

A heavy box is being pushed by two people in opposite directions. Person A pushes with a force of 200 N from the left, and Person B pushes with a force of 150 N from the right. If the frictional force opposing the potential motion of the box is 60 N, determine the net force acting on the box and whether the box will move.

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Answer

Force by Person A (left) = 200 N. Force by Person B (right) = 150 N. Frictional force opposing motion = 60 N.

The net applied force by the two people = 200 N (left) - 150 N (right) = 50 N towards the left.

Since the net applied force (50 N) is less than the frictional force (60 N), the box will not move. Therefore, the net force acting on the box is 0 N, as the applied force is balanced by static friction.

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