---
title: "A student pushes a box across a horizontal floor where friction is present. In Scenario 1, the student pushes the box such that it moves with a constant velocity \\(v\\). In Scenario 2, the student pushes the box harder such that it moves with a constant acceleration \\(a\\) in the direction of motion. Which of the following correctly describes the net force \\(F_{net}\\) acting on the box in each scenario?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109269/"
date_modified: "2026-03-21T18:52:35+00:00"
---

# A student pushes a box across a horizontal floor where friction is present. In Scenario 1, the student pushes the box such that it moves with a constant velocity \(v\). In Scenario 2, the student pushes the box harder such that it moves with a constant acceleration \(a\) in the direction of motion. Which of the following correctly describes the net force \(F_{net}\) acting on the box in each scenario?

A student pushes a box across a horizontal floor where friction is present. In Scenario 1, the student pushes the box such that it moves with a constant velocity \(v\). In Scenario 2, the student pushes the box harder such that it moves with a constant acceleration \(a\) in the direction of motion. Which of the following correctly describes the net force \(F_{net}\) acting on the box in each scenario?

![A diagram showing two side-by-side scenarios. Scenario 1: A box on a flat surface with a horizontal velocity arrow labeled 'v' and 'constant' pointing to the right. A hand is pushing the box to the right. Scenario 2: The same box on a flat surface with a horizontal acceleration arrow labeled 'a' and 'constant' pointing to the right. A hand is pushing the box to the right.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1774119154-UucEBG.jpg)

- **A.** In Scenario 1, the net force is zero because the velocity is constant. In Scenario 2, the net force is non-zero because the velocity is changing.
- **B.** In Scenario 1, the net force is non-zero because a force is required to keep the box in motion. In Scenario 2, the net force is also non-zero because the box is moving.
- **C.** In Scenario 1, the net force is zero because the acceleration is zero. In Scenario 2, the net force is zero because the acceleration is constant.
- **D.** In Scenario 1, the net force is non-zero because the student is pushing the box. In Scenario 2, the net force is zero because the applied force is balanced by the friction.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109269/*