If John needs to move a computer cart 18 meters applying a total work of 162J, what force did he apply?

To determine the force applied in moving the computer cart, we can use the formula for work done, which is expressed as:

[ \text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance} ]

In this case, the work is given as 162 Joules, and the distance moved is 18 meters. Rearranging the equation to solve for force, we get:

[ \text{Force} = \frac{\text{Work}}{\text{Distance}} ]

Substituting in the known values:

[ \text{Force} = \frac{162 , \text{J}}{18 , \text{m}} ]

Performing the division:

[ \text{Force} = 9 , \text{N} ]

So, John applied a force of 9 Newtons. This calculation is consistent with the fundamental relationship between work, force, and distance in physics.

Considering other options, 1 Newton would not suffice to accomplish the work needed, while 18 Newtons and 162 Newtons would either exceed what is required given the distance, leading to unnecessary exertion of force. Thus, the only reasonable and accurate calculation points to 9