A refrigeration unit on a job site must be slid into place. If the frictional force of 975 N
opposes the motion and two workers apply a total force of 1095 N to the unit, what is
the net force on the unit?
DO I SUBTRACT THE FORCES?
yes. Friction is just another force; nothing special about it.
To calculate the net force acting on the refrigeration unit, you need to consider both the frictional force and the force applied by the workers. Since the frictional force opposes the motion, it acts in the opposite direction of the applied force.
To find the net force, you need to take into account the direction of each force. If both forces act in the same direction, you would simply add them together. However, since the frictional force opposes the motion, you must subtract it from the force applied by the workers.
Therefore, to find the net force, subtract the frictional force of 975 N from the force applied by the workers of 1095 N:
Net force = Force applied by the workers - Frictional force
Net force = 1095 N - 975 N
Net force = 120 N
The net force on the unit is 120 N.