Question

1. a student decides to test gravity in the bathroom (as one does) by holding a ping - pong ball above a hair dryer. the upward force of air equals 3.9 n, and gravitys pull is also 3.9 n. the ball trembles in midair, refusing to commit to any direction. determine the net force and direction.

Explanation:

Step1: Define the forces

Let the upward - force $F_{up}=3.9\ N$ and the downward - force (gravity) $F_{down}=3.9\ N$.

Step2: Calculate the net force

The net force $F_{net}$ is given by the formula $F_{net}=F_{up}-F_{down}$. Substituting the values, we have $F_{net}=3.9 - 3.9$.
$F_{net}=0\ N$

Answer:

The net force is $0\ N$ and there is no direction (since the net force is zero).