Question

If the two forces applied to an object are equal in magnitude and act in opposite directions,then the net force acting on the object is

Answer 1

the net force acting on the body would be zero..the body will remain in eqilibrium. Since the forces are equal in magnitude, they cancel each other.

EG- a book lying on the table- the book is applying a force (its weight on the table vertically downwards) and the table is also applying a normal reaction force equal in magnitude but opposite in direction (upwards). Hence the book does not move and the net force acting on it is zero

Answer 2

If the two forces applied to an object are equal in magnitude and act in opposite directions, then the net force acting on the object is $\textbf{Zero}$

The net force on it becomes zero, because the force are equal, and are applied in two opposite directions, on the same object. They both neutralise each other, hence the net force is 0.

While calculating net force, what we do is add forces acting I same direction and subtracting them when acting in opposite directions.

Consider the first force be F, and second be F `

Given, F = F `

and, they are applied in opposite direction, so net force =

F - F `

→ F - F (since, F ` = F)

= 0

Hence, the net force is 0 N