Correct Response: A. The top of the column is being pushed downward with a force of 600 N by the piece of metal. The top of the column is also being pulled upward with a force of 25 N by the line from the winch. The resultant combined force on the top of the column is (-600 N) + (25 N) = -575 N where the (-) sign indicates a downward force. Since the 575 N force is directed downward on the top of the column, the resultant force is a compression force of 575 N. Answer choices B and D are incorrectly reached by failing to realize that the net downward force on the top of the column will result in compression, and not tension. Answer choices C and D are incorrectly reached by adding the magnitudes of the two forces. Since the forces act in opposite directions, the net force is found through subtraction with the resulting direction being determined by the force with the larger magnitude.
