# A student pushes a heavy box along a flat floor at a constant velocity. Explain why the box moves at constant velocity even though the student is applying a force to it.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 3.1 Forces and their interactions · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Friction (or air resistance) acts on the box in the opposite direction to the push
2. The pushing force and the friction force are equal in size
3. The forces are balanced (resultant/net force is zero)
4. A zero resultant force means there is no change in motion / the box continues at constant velocity (Newton's First Law)

## Key terms

- [constant velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/constant-velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-pushes-a-heavy-box-648d57c9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.