2 Vectors with Angles acting on an object

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An object is acted upon by two forces: F1 at 12 N and 32 degrees upwards, and F2 at 15 N and 24 degrees downwards. The user calculated the x-components (Fnetx = 23.87 N) and y-components (Fnety = 0.26 N) of the forces correctly. To find the net force, the Pythagorean theorem should be used to combine these components, and trigonometric ratios can determine the angle. There was confusion regarding the subtraction of y-components, but it was clarified that F2y should be subtracted due to its downward direction. The final calculations led to a net force of 23.87 N and an angle of approximately 0.62 degrees, which raised doubts about its accuracy.
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Hey guys, I am having a little trouble determining the final answer to this question.

Basically an object is being pulled by two forces and I am suppose to find the Net Force

F1 = 12 N at an angle of 32 degrees (upwards)
F2 = 15 N at an angle of 24 degrees (downwards)

So what I did was split the two vectors and try to find Fnetx and Fnet y

For Fnetx = F1net + F2net

F1 = 12Cos(32)
F2 = 15 cos(24)

I added F1x and F2y and got
Fnetx = 23.87 N

For Fnety

F1y = 12sin32 = 6.36 N
F2y = 15sin24 = 6.10 N

I subtracted F1y-F2y because F2y is going in the negative direction so
Fnety = 0.26 N

I am not sure if I should add these together or use PT to get Fnet...then use Trig ratios to get the angle... ?

Any ideas? I appreciate the help!
 
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You've now got the x and y components of a vector.
So how do you calculate the length and direction of the vector from them?

(You can't just add the lengths of the components - that would make no sense.)
 
AJ Bentley said:
You've now got the x and y components of a vector.
So how do you calculate the length and direction of the vector from them?

(You can't just add the lengths of the components - that would make no sense.)

If I have Fnetx and Fnety

Would I use pythegorean theorem to find Fnet, and then Trig ratio to get the angle?
 
Exactly that.
 
Nytik said:
Exactly that.


Okay perfect However could you please explain why I would not substract the F1y by the F2y?

Because F2y is a downward motion, it would not be negative?
 
You do subtract them; everything you have done up to this point is correct.
 
Nytik said:
You do subtract them; everything you have done up to this point is correct.

Okay its just that the answer doesn't seem correct to me.

Fnetx = 23.87 N

Fnety = 0.26 N

Using PT:

Fnet = 23.87 N

Then then using Trig Ratios, the Angle = 0.62 degrees... which doesn't seem correct..?
 
This thread has been moved to the "Introductory Physics" section of "Homework & Coursework Questions", where it should have been posted in the first place. Carry on, and try to remember to post similar questions here in the future. :smile:
 
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