Two workers are pushing on the same large crate. One worker pushes east with a force of 875 N, while the other worker pushes north with a force of 960 N. Friction between the crate and the floor is directed west with a force of 80 N and south with a force of 105 N. Assuming drag due to air resistance is negligible, what are the total north-south net forces and the total east-west net forces acting on the crate, causing it to accelerate across the floor?
To find the net north-south force, we subtract the southward force caused by friction from the northward force applied by the worker:
Net north-south force = 960 N - 105 N = 855 N.
To find the net east-west force, we subtract the westward force caused by friction from the eastward force applied by the worker:
Net east-west force = 875 N - 80 N = 795 N.
Therefore, the total north-south net force is 855 N and the total east-west net force is 795 N that are acting on the crate, causing it to accelerate across the floor.