2 Vectors with Angles acting on an object

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the net force acting on an object being pulled by two forces, each with specified magnitudes and angles. The subject area is vector resolution in physics, specifically focusing on the addition of forces and their components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss splitting the forces into their x and y components to find the net force. Questions arise about whether to add the components directly or use the Pythagorean theorem to find the resultant vector. There is also inquiry into the correct treatment of the downward force component.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants confirming the approach of using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric ratios to find the net force and its angle. There is some uncertainty regarding the subtraction of the y components and the accuracy of the calculated angle.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the conventions of vector addition and the implications of directionality in force components. There is a mention of the thread being moved to a more appropriate section for homework questions.

JackandJones
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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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