quick question... Is there more force required to push or pull a shopping cart if when you pull its at
45 degrees and when you push its at 45 degrees?

Question

quick question... Is there more force required to push or pull a shopping cart if when you pull its at
 45 degrees and when you push its at 45 degrees?

anonymous · Answer

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When your pushing the cart, 

since Normal force cancels downward force and gravity we only consider the horizontal force. 

the component of x is (Force applied)cos45. 

When you pull the cart, 

since Normal force cancels downward force and gravity we only consider the horizontal force.

the component of x is (Force applied)cos45

It seems the components are the same assuming the force applied is the same in both cases. 

Hence theoretically, it is equal. Now it may be a question of what you may think is easier to do, but in reality its the same.