Two boys push a wooden crate from opposite sides along a straight line. Boy A pushes with a force of…
Two boys push a wooden crate from opposite sides along a straight line. Boy A pushes with a force of $30\text{ N}$ to the right, while Boy B pushes with a force of $18\text{ N}$ to the left. What is the net force acting on the crate?
$48\text{ N}$ to the right
$12\text{ N}$ to the right
$12\text{ N}$ to the left
$48\text{ N}$ to the left
Solution
Since the forces act in opposite directions, net force is $30\text{ N} - 18\text{ N} = 12\text{ N}$ in the direction of the larger force (to the right).