Question

Jose pushes a cart with a force of 12 N to the right. Lucy also pushes the cart with a force of 5 N to the right. John pushes the cart with a force of 7 N to the left. What is my net force on the cart?

Answer 1

So, their net force on the cart is 10 N to the right.

Introduction

Hi ! Here, I will help you with the net forces (results of forces) acting on a two-dimensional area and in opposite directions. Steps that can be taken are as follows :

1. Determine where the force will go, the important thing is that you are consistent until the end.
2. Count the values of the force acting, the force against the direction of your mind in number 1 is given a negative sign.
3. Look at the results, if it's marked (-), then choose the opposite direction from your thoughts at number 1.

The equation for calculating the net force from this two-dimensional straight line is as follows:

$\boxed{\sf{\bold{\sum F = F_1 + F_2 + ... + F_n}}}$

With the following condition :

• $\sf{\sum F}$ = net force (N)
• $\sf{F_1}$ = first force and its direction (N)
• $\sf{F_2}$ = second force and its direction (N)
• $\sf{... + F_n}$ = You can add up the force values as many times as the question (N).

Problem Solving

We know that :

In my mind, I determined that the force will go to the right. So :

• $\sf{F_1}$ = Jose's force = 12 N >> Because he already walk to the right.
• $\sf{F_2}$ = Lucy's force = 5 N >> Because she already walk to the right.
• $\sf{F_3}$ = John's force = -7 N >> Because he is walked to the left.

What was asked :

• $\sf{\sum F}$ = net force = ... N

Step by step :

$\sf{\sum F = F_1 + F_2 + F_3}$

$\sf{\sum F = 12 + 5 + (-7)}$

$\sf{\sum F = 17 - 7}$

$\boxed{\sf{\sum F = 10 \: N \: to \: the \: right}}$

Conclusion

The movement of the cart is to the right because the net force value that I calculated is not opposite (with negative sign) to the right direction. So, their net force on the cart is 10 N to the right.