Ozzy is trying to tow a trailer up a steep hill.

Question

If his truck pulls forward with a force of 2,750 newtons and the weight of the trailer pulls backward with a force of 2,790 newtons, which of the following statement is true?
A.
The truck will experience a net force of 2,750 newtons forward.
B.
The forces acting on the truck and trailer are balanced.
C.
The truck and trailer will experience a net force of 40 newtons backward.
D.
The truck and trailer will experience a net force of 40 newtons forward.

Answer 1

To determine the net force acting on the truck and trailer, we need to compare the forward and backward forces.

1. The force the truck exerts forward: 2,750 newtons.
2. The force the trailer exerts backward: 2,790 newtons.

Net force can be calculated as:

Net force = Force forward - Force backward
Net force = 2,750 N - 2,790 N
Net force = -40 N

A negative net force indicates that the force is acting in the opposite direction of the forward force.

This means that the truck and trailer will experience a net force of 40 newtons backward.

So, the correct answer is:

C. The truck and trailer will experience a net force of 40 newtons backward.