Question

A 21.2-kg object is being pulled in one direction by a force of 68.8 N while a force of 26.5 N pulls in the opposite direction. What is the acceleration of the object

Answer 1

The net force is in the direction of the larger force. If we take that direction to be positive, then the net force has a magnitude of

68.8 N - 26.5 N = 42.3 N

Use Newton's second law to solve for the acceleration:

F = m a

42.3 N = (21.2 kg) a

a = (42.3 N) / (21.2 kg)

a ≈ 2.00 m/s²

(you might also try 1.99 or 2.01 in case that doesn't get accepted)