Question

the diagram shows a duck swimming in a stream in the opposite direction the stream is flowing. the duck pushes against the water, so the water pushes the duck forward with 2 newtons of force. the water also exerts 15 newtons of resistive force against the duck. 20 newtons 15 newtons

Explanation:

Assuming the question is to find the net force on the duck (since the forward force from water is likely 20 N, maybe a typo, and resistive is 15 N opposite):

Step1: Identify forces

Forward force: \( F_{forward} = 20 \, \text{N} \) (assuming the 2 was a typo, as diagram shows 20 N forward), Resistive force: \( F_{resistive} = 15 \, \text{N} \) (opposite direction).

Step2: Calculate net force

Net force \( F_{net} = F_{forward} - F_{resistive} \) (since forces are opposite).
\( F_{net} = 20 - 15 = 5 \, \text{N} \) (in forward direction).

Answer:

The net force on the duck is \( \boldsymbol{5} \) newtons (in the forward direction).