Question

A box is at rest on a smooth surface. Two friends are pushing it in opposite directions as shown below. Choose the correct option.

• A. Net force is zero.
• B. Net force is $3N$ in the right direction.
• C. Net force is $3N$ in the left direction.
• D. Net force is $17N$ in the left direction.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Net force is $3N$ in the left direction.

The forces applied by the two friends are in opposite directions. The resultant force will be equal to the difference between these forces and will act in the direction of the larger force. Hence, the box will experience a net force:
$F_{net}=10N-7N=3N$ in the left direction.