A wooden box is being pushed across a floor with a force of 60 N. Friction is acting on the box with a force of 5 N. Which of the following is the net force acting on the box?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force acting on the box is the sum of the individual forces, which includes the applied force and the friction. Since they act in opposition to one another, they have opposite signs.
Net force = Applied force + Friction force
Net force = 60 N + (-5 N)
Net force = 55 N
Remember that friction is working against the applied force (in the opposite direction), so it is a negative value.

A Wooden Box Is Being Pushed Across a Floor with a Force