Calculating Force with Mass and Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating net force using mass and acceleration, specifically in the context of forces acting on an object, including resistance forces. The subject area includes dynamics and force calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate net force using the equation Fnet = MA, and seeks verification of their calculations. They also raise a question regarding the calculation of resistance force using a different angle and express confusion over the differing results.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the calculations and suggest using consistent units. The conversation includes exploration of the differences in results based on the setup of the problem, with no explicit consensus on the correctness of the resistance force calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss significant figures and unit conversions, noting the importance of consistency in calculations. There is also mention of the specific angles used in the calculations, which may affect the results.

socialfox
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Homework Statement


Mass= 36.1 (Grams)
Acceleration = 1.36 M/S(sqaured)
Net Force in MiliNewtons =

Homework Equations


Fnet= MA

The Attempt at a Solution


Fnet= 0.0361 x 1.36
= 0.049096 Newtons
0.049096 x 1000= 49.096 MiliNewtons

Can anyone verify this for me please?
 
Last edited:
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Hi, socialfox.

Your work look's good. (Picky: If the problem is stated with 3 significant figures for each quantity, then generally you would round your answer to three significant figures: 49.1 mN.

Also, "milli" has two l's.
 
Thank you for replying, I had another question with that information I was supposed to calculate the force of resistance with this equation:

9.8(Mass)(Sin*angle*) - (m)(a)
so I had filled it in with these numbers below (the angle is 10.4 degrees)

9.8(36.1)(sin10.4) - 49.096 = 14.768 MilliNewtons
I understand this answer seems normal but for another question with simmilar numbers except for the degrees which is now 11.24 degrees I get this

9.8(36.1)(sin11.24) - 68.951 = 0.000749325 MilliNewtons

My problem/doubt is why is my second answer so different, also is the force of resistance correct for these questions?

Thanks for taking the time to look over this, I appreciate it :)
 
Your calculations look correct. However, I think it would be more consistent if you plug in SI units (.0361 kg) for the mass and then convert Newtons to milliNewtons. But' you'll get the same result.

The results seem so different because in the last case you happen to be subtracting two terms that have almost the same value.

It's hard for me to say if your "force of resistance is correct" since I don't know the set-up of the problem. Maybe you could explain how you arrived at the expression mgsinθ - ma.
 

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