Calculate Magnitude of 2nd Force on 2.7 kg Mass - Answer in N

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A 2.7 kg mass accelerates at 7 m/s² at an angle of 28 degrees north of east, with one force of 12.6 N directed north. Participants in the discussion are trying to determine the magnitude of the second force, with various methods and calculations proposed. Some users suggest using vector components and the net force equations, while others express confusion about the given values and the direction of the forces. The calculations for the second force yield different results, with attempts resulting in values around 14.09 N and 17.1 N, but none have been confirmed as correct. The discussion highlights the complexity of resolving forces in two dimensions and the importance of accurately applying vector principles.
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A 2.7 kg mass accelerates at 7 m/s^2 in a
direction 28 degrees north of east. One of the two
forces acting on the mass has a magnitude of
12.6 N and is directed north.
Determine the magnitude of the second
force. Answer in units of N.

I did F2= sqr rt (ma^2+ F1^2)

= 22.715 N

This is apparently incorrect. This seems too easy and yet I cannot figure it out. I'm assuming F2 is in the positive "x" direction w/o a "y" component.

Any help appreciated.
 
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I think your formula should be F_2 = \sqrt{(ma)^2 - F_1^2} (remember c^2 = a^2 + b^2) to get 14.09 N.
 
cscott said:
I think your formula should be F_2 = \sqrt{(ma)^2 - F_1^2} (remember c^2 = a^2 + b^2) to get 14.09 N.

This is not the answer... tried it and got it wrong :(

I also tried splitting up the the acceleration into x and y components and trying to solve it F1x+F2x = MAx; F1y+F2y=MAy F1x=0 F1y=12.6N

I solved it and then did sqr rt(F2x^2+F2y^2)


= 16.2662N


I only have 1 try left so it would be great if someone can help me out, please.
 
How come the force acting north has a magnitude of 12.6N? It should be masin(\theta)=F_N which is 8.87N. Was 12.6 given?
 
The force you're trying to find must also have an y-component, otherwise cscotts formula would've worked.
 
Mindscrape said:
How come the force acting north has a magnitude of 12.6N? It should be masin(\theta)=F_N which is 8.87N. Was 12.6 given?

The question states (as found in the original post):

"One of the two forces acting on the mass has a magnitude of 12.6 N and is directed north."

So assume the sole direction of F1 is North, or in the positive y direction.

Any ideas as to an equation or problem-solving technique to solve this?
 
To make sure I have this right:

-The net force (magnitude) of the two components is the 7 \frac{m}{s^2} * 2.7kg = 18.9N

-This magnitude has an angle of 28º north of east

-The north acting component of the net force is 12.6N

Unless physics isn't allowed to use vectors anymore, this is wrong.
 
Mindscrape said:
To make sure I have this right:

-The net force (magnitude) of the two components is the 7 \frac{m}{s^2} * 2.7kg = 18.9N

-This magnitude has an angle of 28º north of east

-The north acting component of the net force is 12.6N

Unless physics isn't allowed to use vectors anymore, this is wrong.

hmm... i don't know. I cut and pasted the question -- maybe the question is wrong?
 
ma cos28 = (F2) cos@
ma sin28 = (F1) + (F2) sin@

@ is the angle F2 makes north of east

eliminate @ to get F2

M.P.
 
  • #10
mukundpa said:
ma cos28 = (F2) cos@
ma sin28 = (F1) + (F2) sin@

@ is the angle F2 makes north of east

eliminate @ to get F2

M.P.


ma cos28 / cos@ = ma sin28 - F1 / sin@

tan@ = ma sin28 - F1/ ma cos28

@ = tan -1 (ma sin28 - F1/ ma cos28)

F2x = 17.09883283
F2y = -17.09883283

F2 = sqr rt ( 17.09883283^2 * 2)

= 24.18140129 N?

This comes up as wrong. I don't know -- maybe I made a math mistake.

Thanks for the help though.
 
  • #11
solve in this way

F2 cos@ = macos28 = 16.688N
F2 sin@ = masin28 - F1 = -3.727 N

squaring and adding F2 = 17.1 N (please check the calculations)

Who told you that the two forces are perpendicular or F2 is towards east?

M.P.
 
  • #12
mukundpa said:
solve in this way

F2 cos@ = macos28 = 16.688N
F2 sin@ = masin28 - F1 = -3.727 N

squaring and adding F2 = 17.1 N (please check the calculations)

Who told you that the two forces are perpendicular or F2 is towards east?

M.P.


I think that's it. Thanks for the help!
 
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