Chapter 2, Problem 2A

What is the net force on a box that is being pulled to the right with a force of 40 N and pulled to the left with a force of 30 N?

To determine

Net force on the box.

Answer to Problem 2A

Net force acting on the box is 10 N.

Explanation of Solution

Given :

Box is pulled right with a force of, $F_1=40\text{ N}$

Box is pulled left with a force of, $F_2=30\text{ N}$

Formula used:

Net force on any body is the sum of total force acting on the body.

  $F=F_1+F_2+F_3+\mathrm{......}{F}_n$

Calculation :

Let, force acting on the box in right direction is positive then force acting in left direction will be negative.

Therefore, $F_1=40\text{ N, }{F}_2=-30\text{ N}$

Now, substituting the value of $F_1$ and $F_2$ and solve.

  $\begin{array}{l}F=40-30\\ =10\text{ N}\end{array}$

Conclusion :

Therefore, net force acting on the box is 10 N.