Question

A box is pushed along a table with a force to the left (F) of 20 N. Gravity (F) pushes the box down with a force of 10 N, and the table pushes the box up (N) with a force of 10 N. The table surface drags the bottom of the box, causing a friction force (F) of 6 N.

What is the net force acting on the box?

a. 14 N to the left
b. 4 N to the left
c. 4 N to the right
d. 14 N to the right

Answer 1

The net force acting on the box is 4 N to the left.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net force acting on the box can be calculated by adding up all the forces acting on it. In this case:

• The force to the left (F) of 20 N
• The force of gravity (F) pushing the box down with a force of 10 N
• The force of the table pushing the box up (N) with a force of 10 N
• The friction force (F) of 6 N

To determine the net force, we need to subtract the friction force from the other forces. Therefore, the net force is:

Net force = (Force to the left) - (Force of gravity) - (Force of the table) - (Friction force)

Net force = 20 N - 10 N - 10 N - 6 N = 4 N to the left