Determine the net force on a book sliding on a table if the book is slowing down.

if the velocity is in the +x direction. the acceleration and therefore the force is in the -x direction.

If that is friction force usually it would be written as
F = m a = - m * g *(friction coefficient)

The net force is going opposite the direction of the book, therefore causing the speed of the book to slow down.

To determine the net force on a book sliding on a table, we need to consider both the forces acting on the book.

When the book is sliding on the table, it experiences several forces:

1. Gravity (Weight): The weight of the book acts vertically downwards towards the center of the Earth. The magnitude of this force can be calculated using the equation F = m * g, where m represents the mass of the book and g represents the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).

2. Normal Force: The table exerts an equal and opposite force on the book, perpendicular to the surface of the table. This force is called the normal force and counteracts the force of gravity. When the book is sliding and slowing down, the normal force is equal in magnitude to the weight of the book.

3. Friction Force: As the book slides on the table, it experiences the force of friction. Friction opposes the motion of the book and acts in the opposite direction of its velocity. The magnitude of the friction force can be calculated using the equation F = μ * N, where μ represents the coefficient of friction between the book and the table, and N represents the magnitude of the normal force.

When the book is slowing down, it means that the net force acting on it is in the direction opposite to its motion. Therefore, the net force can be calculated by subtracting the force of friction from the force of gravity:

Net force = Weight - Friction force

Note: If the book is not slowing down uniformly, additional forces like air resistance or external forces may be present.

To determine the net force, you need to know the mass of the book, the coefficient of friction between the book and the table, and the acceleration due to gravity. Plug in these values into the equations mentioned above to calculate the individual forces, and then subtract the force of friction from the weight to get the net force acting on the book.