Question

Can someone explain how exactly to calculate the net force? Do you subtract the smaller number from the larger number? Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Explanation:

Let's say right is positive and left is negative.

F₁ = -150 N

F₂ = 220 N

Fnet = F₁ + F₂

Fnet = -150 N + 220 N

Fnet = 70 N

The magnitude of Fnet is 70 N, and since it's positive, the direction is to the right.

And since Fnet isn't 0, the force is unbalanced and the motion is changing.