Question

fill in the blank question
a 10-kg box is attached to two strings, each on opposite ends of the box. the string on the right is pulled to the right with a 6 n force while the left string is pulled to the left with 8 n. due to these pulls, the box experiences an acceleration of $\boldsymbol{square}$ m/s² to the left (take the left direction to be positive).

Explanation:

Step1: Define forces and direction

Left force: $F_1 = 8\ \text{N}$ (positive), Right force: $F_2 = -6\ \text{N}$ (negative, opposite to positive direction)

Step2: Calculate net force

$F_{\text{net}} = F_1 + F_2 = 8 + (-6) = 2\ \text{N}$

Step3: Apply Newton's second law

Newton's second law: $a = \frac{F_{\text{net}}}{m}$, where $m=10\ \text{kg}$
$a = \frac{2}{10} = 0.2\ \text{m/s}^2$

Answer:

$0.2$