Final answer:
Yes, it is possible for the net force on a particle to be directed to the left. This would cause the particle to slow down or even move to the left.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, it is possible for the net force on a particle to be directed to the left. According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force acting on an object determines its acceleration. If the net force is directed to the left, the particle would experience acceleration in the opposite direction of its motion, causing it to slow down or even move to the left.
For example, if a particle is moving to the right and experiences a net force to the left due to the friction between the particle and the surface it is moving on, it would decelerate and eventually come to a stop. Similarly, if the net force is greater in the leftward direction, the particle could reverse its direction and start moving to the left.