A 5 N force is applied to a 2 kg block on a rough surface with a 1 N opposing friction. What is the net force on the block?

A 5 N force is applied to a 2 kg block on a rough surface with a 1 N opposing friction. What is the net force on the block?

• A. 5 N to the right
• B. 4 N to the right
• C. 1 N to the right
• D. 0 N

Answer: (B)

Net force is found by adding all horizontal forces, taking direction into account. The push provides 5 N to the right, while friction provides 1 N to the left. Subtracting the opposing force gives 5 N − 1 N = 4 N to the right. So the net force is 4 N toward the right. This also means the block would accelerate to the right with a = F_net/m = 4 N / 2 kg = 2 m/s^2.

Net force is found by adding all horizontal forces, taking direction into account. The push provides 5 N to the right, while friction provides 1 N to the left. Subtracting the opposing force gives 5 N − 1 N = 4 N to the right. So the net force is 4 N toward the right. This also means the block would accelerate to the right with a = F_net/m = 4 N / 2 kg = 2 m/s^2.