Question

Question #a536b

Answer 1

Assign a positive or negative sign to the force depending on its direction, then add the two forces to get the net force.

Explanation:

Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning that it also has direction in it. You can represent the direction with either a positive or negative sign.

Example: A box is being acted upon by two forces. 2 Newtons towards the right and 3 Newtons towards the left.

Diagram:

`2"N"->`BOX`larr3"N"`

The force directed to the right is positive while the force directed to the left is negative. To get the net force, you simply have to add them.

`2"N"-3"N"=-1"N"`

The net force is `-1"N"`.