Calculating Net Force: Solving for Unknowns in Vector Addition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net force from two force vectors using vector addition principles. The problem involves applying the law of cosines and the sine rule to determine the resultant force and its direction, while also addressing the need to resolve forces into components.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the law of cosines to find the magnitude of the resultant force and question how to incorporate direction. There are attempts to apply trigonometric relationships to resolve forces into components, though some express uncertainty about this method due to lack of instruction.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and suggestions for resolving the forces into components and using the cosine rule. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, with some participants questioning the applicability of certain formulas based on their current understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that they have not been taught how to break forces into components, which may limit their approach to solving the problem. There is also mention of needing to find angles to determine directions, indicating a gap in the provided information or instruction.

  • #31
helium4 said:
Yes, that's correct, but you need to say that ##F_{net}## points to the left with 40° angle between the vector and the horizontal (i.e. points in the NW direction), otherwise it may seem as though it would point to the right (NE direction), which would be incorrect.

Ok, thanks for mentioning that. Thank you for all of your help! Now I actually understand how work with these equations!
 

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