In a free-body diagram, a block is pulled to the right by $12N$ while friction acts to the left with magnitude $5N$. What is the net horizontal force on the block?

• A. $7N$ to the left
• B. $7N$ to the right
• C. $17N$ to the right
• D. $0N$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the forces acting on the block in the horizontal direction. Here, there is a pulling force of 12 N to the right and a frictional force of 5 N to the left.
2. Assign a positive direction for calculation purposes. Let's take the right direction as positive and the left direction as negative.
3. Write the expression for the net horizontal force by adding the forces algebraically, considering their directions: \(F_{net} = +12\,\text{N} + (-5\,\text{N})\).
4. Simplify the expression to find the magnitude and direction of the net force: \(F_{net} = 12 - 5\) N.
5. Interpret the result: if the net force is positive, it points to the right; if negative, it points to the left.