Finding Net Force in One Dimension
As we already know, the net force acting on an object is just the total of all the forces acting on that object. |
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In our class, you will need to know how to add vectors. See the two images below to learn to add vectors which are either pointed in the same direction or in opposite directions.
Remember: The methods shown below can be used to add forces which are pointed in the same direction or which are pointed in opposite directions; if two forces are oriented in any other way, we use a different method for adding them.
Remember: The methods shown below can be used to add forces which are pointed in the same direction or which are pointed in opposite directions; if two forces are oriented in any other way, we use a different method for adding them.
Adding Vectors in One Dimension Self-Quiz
Scroll to the top of the page and read the material BEFORE you attempt the quiz. Then, try to answer the questions in the quiz. For all of the quiz questions, you can assume that no forces other than those mentioned are acting on the objects.
- Michael pulls to the right on a baby bottle with 4 Newtons of force while Jessica pulls to the left on the same baby bottle with 2 Newtons of force. What is the net force acting on the baby bottle?
- 6 Newtons
- 6 Newtons to the right
- 2 Newtons
- 2 Newtons to the right
- 2 Newtons to the left
- Gravity pulls downward on Jericho with 450 Newtons of force. At the same time, her chair pushes upward on Jericho with 450 Newtons of force. What is the net force acting on Jericho?
- 900 Newtons
- 900 Newtons upward and downward
- 0 Newtons upward and downward
- 0 Newtons (no direction is necessary)
- If Peter and Jessica both push with 500 Newtons of force in the forward direction on a car which is on an icy road, what is the net force acting on the car?
- 0 Newtons
- 0 Newtons forward
- 1000 Newtons
- 1000 Newtons forward
- 1000 Newtons backward
- Nina is pushing to the right on a table with 200 Newtons of force, and friction is pushing on the table to the left with 250 Newtons of force. What is the net force acting on the table?
- 450 Newtons
- 450 Newtons to the left
- 50 Newtons to the right
- 50 Newtons to the left
- This situation is impossible.