Question

Two forces act on an object. One force has a magnitude of 30N directed west, and the other force has a magnitude of 12 N directed east. What is the net force on the object?(1 point)
Responses

18N east
18N east

42 N east
42 N east

18N west
18N west

42N west

1 answer

To find the net force on the object, we need to consider the direction and magnitude of both forces.

  1. The first force is 30 N directed west.
  2. The second force is 12 N directed east.

Since west and east are in opposite directions, we can find the net force by subtracting the magnitude of the eastward force from the magnitude of the westward force:

Net force = 30 N (west) - 12 N (east)

To solve this, we can think of east as positive and west as negative:

Net force = 30 N (−) - 12 N (+) = 30 N - 12 N = 18 N (west)

So, the net force on the object is 18 N west.

Thus, the correct response is: 18N west.