Question

three people are trying to move a box. which set of forces will result in a net force on the box of 20 n to the left?
a. 6n 20n 6n
b. 55n 17n 16n
c. 18n 28n 10n
d. 55n 16n 17n

Explanation:

Step1: Define left as positive and right as negative

Let's assume the left - direction force is positive and the right - direction force is negative. The net force \(F_{net}\) is calculated by \(F_{net}=\sum F\).

Step2: Calculate net force for each option

• Option A:

The force on the left is \(6N\), and the forces on the right are \(20N\) and \(6N\).
\(F_{net}=6-(20 + 6)=6 - 26=- 20N\) (direction: right)

• Option B:

The force on the left is \(55N\), and the forces on the right are \(17N\) and \(16N\).
\(F_{net}=55-(17 + 16)=55 - 33 = 22N\) (direction: left)

• Option C:

The force on the left is \(18N\), and the forces on the right are \(28N\) and \(10N\).
\(F_{net}=18-(28 + 10)=18-38=-20N\) (direction: right)

• Option D:

The force on the left is \(55N\), and the forces on the right are \(16N\) and \(17N\).
\(F_{net}=55-(16 + 17)=55 - 33=22N\) (direction: left)

Answer:

C.