Question

Bill and Janet are pulling on opposite sides of a table. Bill pulls with a force of
450 N to the left, and Janet pulls with a force of 300 N to the right. What is
the net force on the table?
O
A. 450 N to the right
O
B. 450 N to the left
C. 150 N to the left
O
D. 150 N to the right

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 150 N to the left

Explanation:

If we take right to be positive and left to be negative, then:

∑F = -450 N + 300 N

∑F = -150 N

The net force is 150 N to the left.

Answer 2

Answer:

(C) 150 N to the left

Explanation:

It is given that,

Force acting in left side, F = 450 N

Force acting in right side, F' = 300 N

Let left side is taken to be negative while right side is taken to be positive. So,

F = -450 N

F' = +300 N

The net force will act in the direction where the magnitude of force is maximum. Net force is given by :

$F_{net}=-450\ N+300\ N$

$F_{net}=-150\ N$    

So, the net force on the table is 150 N and it is acting to the left side. Hence, the correct option is (c).