Suppose that there are two forces acting on a barge being towed along a river. One force is exerted due south by the river current and has a magnitude of 7 units (the exact nature of the force unit is unimportant). The other force is exerted by a tugboat and has a magnitude of 11 units towards the north and 3 units towards the east. What is the net force acting on the barge?
A) 11 units towards the north, 4 units towards the east
B) 18 units towards the north, 3 units towards the east
C) 4 units towards the north, 3 units towards the east
D) 3 units towards the north, 4 units towards the east

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force towards the north is the difference between the force exerted by the tugboat (11 units north) and the river current (7 units south), resulting in 4 units towards the north. The eastward force remains unchanged at 3 units, as there is no opposing force in that direction.

Suppose That There Are Two Forces Acting on a Barge