A box is initially at rest on a frictionless surface. It then experiences two forces, as shown in the picture.
20 N → Box ← 18 N
Which best describes what will happen to the box?
A. It will move at a constant speed to the right.
B. It will move at a constant speed to the left
C. It will move at an increasing speed to the left.
D. It will move at an increasing speed to the right.
The box experiences a net force of 20 N - 18 N = 2 N to the right.
According to Newton's second law (F = ma), if there is a net force acting on an object, the object will accelerate in the direction of the net force. In this case, since the net force is to the right, the box will accelerate to the right.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
D. It will move at an increasing speed to the right.