Net Force and Direction of motion

[Marleycake]

Homework Statement

Is the direction of net force always in the direction of motion?

The Attempt at a Solution

I would say no because the net force could be equal/balanced

for example if two kids were pulling on a stick
2 N left <---- . ----->2 N right

the Total Net Force would be 4 N with 0 Direction

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Yes, the answer is no. If it wasn't, cars wouldn't move, we couldn't walk . . . nothing could be done!

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

for example if two kids were pulling on a stick
2 N left <---- . ----->2 N right

the Total Net Force would be 4 N with 0 Direction

This, however, is incorrect. The Net force would be zero: $2-2=0$

https://www.mansfieldct.org/Schools/MMS/staff/hand/lawsunbalancedforce.htm