Expert: Richard J. Raridon - 10/20/2005

Question
Hi,

I'm clueless in Physis: Can you help me find the Net Force of an object:


Find the net force by a 40 Newton force and a 50 Newton force in each of the following cases:

a) Both forces act in the same direction.
b) Both forces act in oppoiste directions.

Whats the formula for Net Force?

Thanks,
Jess

Answer
Forces are vector quantities which means they have both magnitude and direction and have to be added vectorially.  However, in this case, they act along the same line so they can simply be added.
a) 40+50 = 90 N
b) 40-50 = -10 N or 10 N in the direction of the original
50 N force.  
If the forces were at right angles, for example, the resultant vector would be at some angle between the original vectors.