Question

What is the magnitude and direction (right or left) of the

Answer 1

Answer: 12 N to the right

Explanation:

If we calculate the net force acting on the box, we will have:

In y-component:

$Fy_{net}=F_{n}+F_{g}$ (1)

Where $F_{n}=12 N$ is the Normal force, directed upwards and $F_{g}=-12 N$ is the weight of the box (gravity force), directed downwards.

$Fy_{net}=12 N-12 N$ (2)

$Fy_{net}=0 N$ (3) Hence the net force in the vertical component is zero

In x-component:

$Fx_{net}=F_{left}+F_{right}$ (4)

Where $F_{left}=-3 N$ and $F_{right}= 15 N$

$Fx_{net}=-3 N + 15 N$ (5)

$Fx_{net}=12 N$ (6) This is the net force in the horizontal component

Therefore, the total net force acting on the box is 12 N directed to the right