Question

question 20 of 29
john pushes forward on a car with a force of 300 n while bob pushes backward on the car with a force of 385 n. what is the net force on the car?
a. 685 n backward
b. 85 n forward
c. 85 n backward
d. 685 n forward

Explanation:

Step1: Define forward as positive

Let John's force $F_J = 300N$ (positive as forward).

Step2: Define backward as negative

Bob's force $F_B=- 385N$ (negative as backward).

Step3: Calculate net - force

The net - force $F_{net}=F_J + F_B=300+( - 385)=300 - 385=-85N$.
The negative sign indicates the direction is backward.

Answer:

C. 85 N backward