Understanding the Forces

* Gravity: 500 N downward

* Your Force: 275 N upward

* Friend's Force: This is what we need to find

Net Applied Force

The net applied force is the total force being applied to the desk *excluding* gravity. To find it, we need to consider:

1. Upward Forces: Your force + Friend's force

2. Downward Force: Gravity (which we're not including in the net applied force)

Let's use a variable for your friend's force:

* Let 'F' represent the upward force your friend applies.

Setting up the Equation

* Net Applied Force = Your Force + Friend's Force

* Net Applied Force = 275 N + F

To find the net applied force, you need to know how much force your friend is applying (F).

Example

Let's say your friend applies 150 N upward. Then:

* Net Applied Force = 275 N + 150 N = 425 N