Question

If two forces are applied on a block and they remain at rest. Which of the following can be true about the forces F1 and F2.

• A. F1 and F2 are equal in magnitude and applied in the same direction.
  
• B. F1 and F2 are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
  
• C. F1 > F2 but applied in the opposite direction.
  
• D. F1 < F2 but applied the same direction.
  

Answer 1

The correct option is B F1 and F2 are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.


When an object is at rest then the net forces acting on it must be zero.
Here the block is at rest and in total two forces F1 and F2 are acting on it.
When forces are in the same direction they add up, and when they are in opposite directions they are subtracted.
To get the resultant of two forces F1 and F2 equal to zero, they must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.