Calculating Acceleration Direction from Given Forces

[Nanoath]

Three forces acting on an object are given by vectors F1=(-2i + 2j)N, F2 = (5i - 3j)N, and F3 = (-45i)N. The object experiences an acceleration of magnitude 3.75m/s^2.

What is the direction of acceleration?

So far I've got the resultant vector, but I'm not sure what to do with the vector.

 

[Redbelly98]

Welcome to Physics Forums, Nanoath!

What equation or equations are you familiar with, that have to do with forces and acceleration?

 

[Nanoath]

I'm familiar with kinematic equations and Newtons laws.So far I've gotten the resultant vector and used tan^-1(1/42) to find an angle of 1.364, i just need to know if I'm on the right track.

 

[Redbelly98]

Yes, you're on the right track. A couple of comments:

1. The direction of the force, 1.364 degrees, is measured relative to what (i.e., counterclockwise from +x axis, or something else?)

2. One of Newtons laws will give you the acceleration direction, given the force direction.