When a pair of 10-N forces act on a box of candy, the net force on the box is
A)zero.
B)about 14 N.
C)20 N.
D)Any of the above depending on the directions of forces.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the directions of the forces are not specified, the net force acting on the box can be found by using vector addition of the forces. If the forces are acting in the same direction, the net force on the box is 20 N (10 N + 10 N). If the forces are acting in opposite directions, the net force on the box is 0 N (10 N - 10 N). If the forces are acting at an angle to each other, the net force will be somewhere between 0 N and 20 N depending on the angle between the forces. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Any of the above depending on the directions of forces.

When a Pair of 10-N Forces Act on a Box