Final answer:
The net force is the difference between the applied force (Fp) and the force due to gravity (Fg). Given Fp=5500 N and Fg=6000 N, the net force is -500 N, indicating it acts in a direction opposite to the applied force, which is to the left.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given scenario, there are two forces acting on the object: Fp, which is a pushing force, and Fg, which represents the force of gravity on the object. The net force (Fnet) is calculated by the difference between these two forces since they are acting in opposite directions. We're given Fp=5500 N and Fg=6000 N, therefore the net force is:
Fnet = Fp - Fg
Fnet = 5500 N - 6000 N
Fnet = -500 N
This negative sign indicates that the direction of the net force is opposite to the direction we've designated as positive (which, by default, is often the direction of the applied force Fp). Thus, the correct answer is ← 500 N, which signifies that the net force is 500 N to the left.