What happens when two forces act in the opposite directions on an object?

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Accepted Answer

Step-by-step explanation:

- Forces are vectors, so the net force is the vector sum. If two forces act in opposite directions, one can be treated as negative of the other.
- Let the forces be $F_1$ (positive direction) and $F_2$ (opposite direction). The net force is
  $F_{net}=F_1+(-F_2)=F_1-F_2$.
- In magnitude terms the net force equals the difference of their magnitudes; if the magnitudes are equal the net force is zero.

Why other choices are wrong:
- (1) and (4) mention "objects" instead of "forces" and are therefore incorrect wording.
- (3) states the total (sum) of the two forces, which is only correct when they act in the same direction, not opposite.

FINAL_ANSWER: b

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