If two forces of 4 N and 6 N act on an object in the same direction, what is the net force?

If two forces of 4 N and 6 N act on an object in the same direction, what is the net force?

• A. 2 N
• B. 10 N
• C. 4 N
• D. 6 N

Answer: (B)

When forces point the same way on an object, their effects add together. The net force is the sum of the magnitudes, so 4 N plus 6 N gives 10 N. The net force points in that same direction as both forces. According to Newton's second law, this net force would produce acceleration in that direction. If the forces were opposite, you’d subtract, with the direction of the larger force.

When forces point the same way on an object, their effects add together. The net force is the sum of the magnitudes, so 4 N plus 6 N gives 10 N. The net force points in that same direction as both forces. According to Newton's second law, this net force would produce acceleration in that direction. If the forces were opposite, you’d subtract, with the direction of the larger force.