Question

understanding net force
which way will it accelerate?
30 n ← m → 25 n
right
6 n ← m → 8 n
right
15 n ← m → 15 n
stay the same

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate net force for first case

Net force \(F_{net1}=25 - 30=- 5N\) (negative sign indicates direction opposite to assumed positive direction, here left is negative and right is positive). But wait, no, actually, if we take right as positive and left as negative, \(F_{net1}=25-30=-5N\) (wrong, correct is \(F_{net1}=30 - 25 = 5N\) (left direction). Wait no, no! Wait, the problem is which way will it accelerate. Net force is \(F_{net}=F_{left}-F_{right}\) (if left is \(F_1\) and right is \(F_2\)). Wait no, acceleration is in the direction of net force. For the first case: \(F_1 = 30N\) (left), \(F_2=25N\) (right). Net force \(F_{net}=30 - 25=5N\) (left). But the given answer was wrong. Wait no, wait the second case: \(F_1 = 6N\) (left), \(F_2 = 8N\) (right). Net force \(F_{net}=8 - 6=2N\) (right). Third case: \(F_1 = 15N\) (left), \(F_2 = 15N\) (right). Net force \(F_{net}=15 - 15=0N\).

Answer:

First case: Left, Second case: Right, Third case: No acceleration (stay the same)