Part A

    A person pushes a box of mass 15 kg along a smooth floor by applying a perfectly horizontal force F. The box accelerates horizontally at a rate of 2.0 m/s2. What is the magnitude of F?

    Solution

    System:

    Box as point particle.

    Interactions:

    External influences from the person (applied force) the earth (gravity) and the floor (normal force).

    Model:

    Point Particle Dynamics.

    Approach:

    Part B

    A person pushes a box of mass 15 kg along a smooth floor by applying a perfectly horizontal force F. The box moves horizontally at a constant speed of 2.0 m/s in the direction of the person's applied force. What is the magnitude of F?

    Solution

    System, Interactions and Model:

    As in Part A.

    Approach: