Let's solve each problem step by step. The
net force is the vector sum of all forces acting on an object. Since all forces are horizontal (left or right), we can assign:
-
Right as
positive (+)
-
Left as
negative (–)
We’ll add the forces algebraically and determine the magnitude and direction of the net force.
---
1.
- Force: 4 N to the
left → –4 N
- No other forces
-
Net Force = –4 N →
4 N left
✔ Answer: 4 N left
---
2.
- 7 N to the
left → –7 N
- 2 N to the
right → +2 N
- Net Force = –7 + 2 =
–5 N →
5 N left
✔ Answer: 5 N left
---
3.
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- 4 N to the
left → –4 N
- Net Force = +4 – 4 =
0 N
✔ Answer: 0 N (balanced forces)
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4.
- 6 N to the
right → +6 N
- 3 N to the
right → +3 N
- Net Force = 6 + 3 =
+9 N →
9 N right
✔ Answer: 9 N right
---
5.
- 8 N to the
left → –8 N
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- Net Force = –8 + 4 =
–4 N →
4 N left
✔ Answer: 4 N left
---
6.
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- 5 N to the
left → –5 N
- Net Force = +4 – 5 =
–1 N →
1 N left
✔ Answer: 1 N left
---
7.
- Two forces both to the
left:
–3 N and –3 N
- Net Force = –3 – 3 =
–6 N →
6 N left
✔ Answer: 6 N left
---
8.
- 2 N to the
right → +2 N
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- 5 N to the
left → –5 N
- Net Force = +2 + 4 – 5 =
+1 N →
1 N right
✔ Answer: 1 N right
---
9.
- 6 N to the
left → –6 N
- 3 N to the
right → +3 N
- Net Force = –6 + 3 =
–3 N →
3 N left
✔ Answer: 3 N left
---
10.
- 7 N to the
left → –7 N
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- 4 N to the
right → +4 N
- Net Force = –7 + 4 + 4 =
+1 N →
1 N right
✔ Answer: 1 N right
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✔ Final Answers:
| Problem | Net Force |
|--------|-----------|
| 1 | 4 N left |
| 2 | 5 N left |
| 3 | 0 N |
| 4 | 9 N right |
| 5 | 4 N left |
| 6 | 1 N left |
| 7 | 6 N left |
| 8 | 1 N right |
| 9 | 3 N left |
| 10 | 1 N right |
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📌 Key Concept:
-
Net Force = Sum of all forces (with signs based on direction)
- If net force is
positive, direction is
right
- If net force is
negative, direction is
left
- If net force is
zero, the object is in equilibrium (no acceleration)
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of net force worksheet.
