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)

Answer 1

To find the net force acting on the object, we will consider the directions of the forces.

One force is 30 N directed west, and the other force is 12 N directed east. We can consider west as negative and east as positive.

1. The force directed west: \( F_{west} = -30 \, \text{N} \)
2. The force directed east: \( F_{east} = +12 \, \text{N} \)

Now we can calculate the net force:

\[
F_{net} = F_{west} + F_{east} = -30 \, \text{N} + 12 \, \text{N} = -18 \, \text{N}
\]

The negative sign indicates that the net force is directed west.

Thus, the net force on the object is **18 N directed west**.