Tug of War ‒ Composing Parallel Forces

In the model, there are three different scenarios that can occur when parallel forces are at play: **Forces in opposite directions ‒ different magnitudes** A truck exerts a greater force than a passenger car. When two forces act in opposite directions, the resulting force will be in the direction of the larger force. The magnitude of the resultant force is the difference between the magnitudes of the two forces. **Forces in opposite directions ‒ equal magnitude** When two forces of equal magnitude act in opposite directions, the resultant force is zero, meaning no movement occurs. **Forces in the same direction** All vehicles apply forces in the same direction. Two cars move in the opposite direction from the first car. When more force is applied in the same direction, the resultant force will be in that direction. The magnitude of the resultant force is the sum of the magnitudes of the individual forces.