Question

what is the net force of a 60 pound fore that is pushing left against a 40 pound force pushiing right

Answer 1

Question #34899

what is the net force of a 60 pound fore that is pushing left against a 40

pound force pushing right

Solution:

The net force is as vector sum of the forces due on the body

$$\overrightarrow{F_n} = \overrightarrow{F_1} + \overrightarrow{F_2}$$

Such as two forces have an opposite directions the magnitude of net force is as the algebraic difference of forces and have direction of larger force (to the left)

$$\begin{array}{l} \left| \overrightarrow{F_n} \right| = \left| \overrightarrow{F_1} \right| - \left| \overrightarrow{F_2} \right| \\ \left| \overrightarrow{F_n} \right| = 60 - 40 = 20 \text{ pound} \end{array}$$

Answer:

The net force is 20 pounds to the left.