Calculate the net force on the object

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SUMMARY

The net force on an object subjected to two forces, one of 13N along the x-axis and another of 9N at a 130-degree angle, is calculated using trigonometric functions to resolve the forces into their x and y components. The x-component of the 9N force is -5.79N, and the y-component is 6.89N. The total net force is determined by combining these components, resulting in a net force of 11.9N when accounting for the direction of the forces. This calculation emphasizes the importance of vector addition in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Basic principles of force addition
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in physics
  • Learn how to resolve forces into components using trigonometry
  • Explore free body diagram techniques for analyzing forces
  • Investigate the implications of angles in force calculations
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators and anyone involved in force analysis and vector resolution.

subopolois
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Homework Statement


Two forces are acting on an object and make a 130 degree angle between the two. One force is horizontal to the x-axis and is 13N. The other is 9 N.
Calculate the net force on the object

Homework Equations


Not really equations, but I broke the one force into its x and y components. Since the 13 Newton force is just along the x-axis with no y, hats the only force in that direction. So I guess trig functions are my equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Sin40= -x/9
X= -5.79
Cos40= y/9
Y= 6.89

Adding the components gives the net force for that portion:
1.1 N

And since there is no y component in the other direction, the force is just 13 N.

Here's where I'm stuck, the stronger force has no y component and is going directly right (free body diagram). The other component is headed up and left in the somewhat opposite direction, but is weaker.
Here's my thinking, to get the net force I have to add them together, which gives 14.1 N. But if the stronger force is to the right, would I subtract the 1.1 N? To get 11.9 N?
[/B]
 
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subopolois said:

Homework Statement


Two forces are acting on an object and make a 130 degree angle between the two. One force is horizontal to the x-axis and is 13N. The other is 9 N.
Calculate the net force on the object

Homework Equations


Not really equations, but I broke the one force into its x and y components. Since the 13 Newton force is just along the x-axis with no y, hats the only force in that direction. So I guess trig functions are my equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Sin40= -x/9
X= -5.79[/B] ##\ \ \ \ \ ## This tells you the x component of the 9 N force .
Cos40= y/9
Y= 6.89 ##\ \ \ \ \ ## This tells you the y component of the 9 N force .

Adding the components gives the net force for that portion:
1.1 N

And since there is no y component in the other direction, the force is just 13 N.

Here's where I'm stuck, the stronger force has no y component and is going directly right (free body diagram). The other component is headed up and left in the somewhat opposite direction, but is weaker.
Here's my thinking, to get the net force I have to add them together, which gives 14.1 N. But if the stronger force is to the right, would I subtract the 1.1 N? To get 11.9 N?
Adding the ##x##-component and ##y##-component as numbers usually makes no sense.
 

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