Hi!! For this question, I feel like the answer is C but I'm not sure. If the answer is C, could you explain to me why/ if it isn't then why not?
A book leans against a crate on a table. Neither is moving. Which of the following statements concerning this situation is correct?
A. Although there is no friction acting on the crate, there must be friction acting on the book or else it will fall.
B. The force of the book on the crate is less than that of the crate on the book.
C. The net force acting on the book is zero.
D. The direction of the frictional force on the book is in the same direction as the frictional force acting on the crate.
Net force really means net moving force. If the object is not already in motion with a net force of zero, it will not go into motion. Answer C.
The other three answers are ridiculous, you ought to be worried that you did not recognize that.
To determine the correct statement concerning the situation described, let's examine each option:
A. Although there is no friction acting on the crate, there must be friction acting on the book or else it will fall.
This statement is incorrect. The book does not necessarily require friction to prevent it from falling. The force of gravity acting downward on the book is balanced by the normal force exerted by the table and the crate. As long as the net force on the book is zero, it will remain in place.
B. The force of the book on the crate is less than that of the crate on the book.
This statement is incorrect. According to Newton's third law of motion, forces always occur in pairs. If the book exerts a force on the crate, then the crate exerts an equal and opposite force on the book. Therefore, the forces are equal in magnitude.
C. The net force acting on the book is zero.
This statement is correct. Since the book and the crate are not moving, the net force acting on the book must be zero. In other words, the forces acting on the book, such as gravity and the normal force, are balanced.
D. The direction of the frictional force on the book is in the same direction as the frictional force acting on the crate.
This statement does not provide enough information to determine its accuracy. The direction of the frictional force depends on the specific orientation and materials involved. Without further context, we cannot conclude whether the direction of the frictional forces on the book and the crate are the same or not.
Therefore, the correct statement is C. The net force acting on the book is zero.