Exploring forces

• Forces applied on an object in the same direction add to one another.

i.e. F = F₁ + F₂

• If the two forces act in the opposite directions on an object, the net force acting on it is the difference between the two forces.

i.e. F = F₁ – F₂

• In the tug-of-water when two terms pull equally hard, the rope does nor move in any direction because if

F₁ = F₂ then, F = F₁ – F₂

     = F – F  = 0

Hence, the resultant force is zero.

• The strength of a force is usually expressed by its magnitude. If direction or the magnitudes of the applied force changes, its effect also changes.

• In general more than one force may be acting on an object. However, the effect on the object is due to the net force acting on it.