Question

To balance the object, 40 Newton left must be counteracted by 50N right. What is the net force?

A. 10 N right
B. 10 N left
C. 40 N left
D. 50 N right

Answer 1

The net force is the difference between the two forces since they are in opposite directions. Therefore, the net force is 10 N to the right, which is answer choice A.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the net force when two forces act in opposite directions, one must subtract the smaller force from the larger force and give the result the direction of the larger force. Here, we have a force of 40 N to the left that must be counteracted by 50 N to the right. Mathematically, this can be expressed as 50 N (right) - 40 N (left) = 10 N (right).

Hence, the net force is 10 N to the right, which corresponds to answer choice A. 10 N right.

Examples similar to this one often refer to Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by a net external force. Additionally, examples involving motion, friction, and forces are all common applications of Newton's laws in Physics.