In which direction in this diagram is there a net force of 200 N?

Question

Responses

down

down

up

up

right

right

left

left
Coordinate plane with top and bottom of x axis labeled 300 N and left side of y axis labeled 200 N and right side labeled 400 N with a point marked closer left of center

Answer 1

To determine the net force in the given scenario, we look at the forces acting in the x (horizontal) and y (vertical) directions, based on the labels you've provided.

1. There are two vertical forces:

   • 300 N acting down (on the positive y-axis)
   • 200 N acting up (on the negative y-axis)

   The net force in the vertical (y) direction would be calculated as: \[ F_{net,y} = 300 N \text{ (down)} - 200 N \text{ (up)} = 100 N \text{ (down)} \]

2. There are two horizontal forces:

   • 400 N acting right (on the positive x-axis)
   • 200 N acting left (on the negative x-axis)

   The net force in the horizontal (x) direction would be calculated as: \[ F_{net,x} = 400 N \text{ (right)} - 200 N \text{ (left)} = 200 N \text{ (right)} \]

Since you mention that the net force in the question is 200 N, this 200 N is in the horizontal direction. Based on the calculations above, the net force of 200 N is directed to the right.

So the answer is: right.