Net Force and Direction of motion

In summary, the direction of net force is not always in the direction of motion. This can be seen in examples such as two kids pulling on a stick, where the total net force is 4 N with 0 direction. However, this is incorrect as the net force would actually be zero, as shown in the source provided.
  • #1
Marleycake
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Homework Statement


Is the direction of net force always in the direction of motion?

The Attempt at a Solution


I would say no because the net force could be equal/balanced

for example if two kids were pulling on a stick
2 N left <---- . ----->2 N right

the Total Net Force would be 4 N with 0 Direction
 
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  • #2
Yes, the answer is no. If it wasn't, cars wouldn't move, we couldn't walk . . . nothing could be done!
 
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  • #3
Marleycake said:
for example if two kids were pulling on a stick
2 N left <---- . ----->2 N right

the Total Net Force would be 4 N with 0 Direction
This, however, is incorrect. The Net force would be zero: ##2-2=0 ##

https://www.mansfieldct.org/Schools/MMS/staff/hand/lawsunbalancedforce.htm
 
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Related to Net Force and Direction of motion

1. What is the net force?

The net force is the overall force acting on an object, taking into account all the individual forces acting on it.

2. How is net force calculated?

Net force is calculated by adding all the individual forces acting on an object, taking into account their direction and magnitude.

3. What is the relationship between net force and acceleration?

According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force acting on an object is directly proportional to its acceleration. This means that as the net force increases, the acceleration of the object also increases.

4. Can net force be zero?

Yes, net force can be zero if all the individual forces acting on an object cancel each other out. This means that the object will either remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity.

5. How does direction of motion affect net force?

The direction of motion does not affect the net force itself, but it does impact the acceleration of the object. If the direction of motion is the same as the direction of the net force, the object will accelerate in that direction. If the direction of motion is opposite to the direction of the net force, the object will decelerate.

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