To stop a box from moving, the net force acting on it must be zero. If the box is currently moving due to a certain force applied, you need to apply a force that is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to stop it.
- If the box is being pulled to the right, to stop it, you would need to apply a force to the left.
- If the box is being pulled to the left, to stop it, you would need to apply a force to the right.
Without additional information about the current direction and magnitude of the force acting on the box, we can analyze the provided choices:
-
Subtracting 8 N of force pulling to the right: This would decrease the force pulling to the right but might not stop the box if there is still force acting in that direction.
-
Subtracting 8 N of force pulling to the left: This would decrease the opposing force in the left direction, which does not help in stopping it.
-
Adding 6 N of force pulling to the left: This would add force in the opposite direction of the force applied to the right (if that was the initial force), which could help stop or slow the box down if it's moving right.
-
Adding 6 N of force pulling to the right: This would increase the force in the direction it's already moving, making it move faster.
Therefore, the most appropriate choice to stop the box from moving if it is currently moving to the right would be:
Adding 6 N of force pulling to the left.