Calculating Acceleration Direction from Given Forces

In summary, the object is experiencing three forces: F1=(-2i + 2j)N, F2 = (5i - 3j)N, and F3 = (-45i)N. It has an acceleration of magnitude 3.75m/s^2. Using the kinematic equations and Newton's laws, the direction of the force is found to be 1.364 degrees. However, the exact direction relative to a reference point is still unknown.
  • #1
Nanoath
8
0
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.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums, Nanoath!

What equation or equations are you familiar with, that have to do with forces and acceleration?
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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.
 

What is the definition of direction of acceleration?

The direction of acceleration is the direction in which the velocity of an object is changing. It can be in the same direction as the velocity (positive acceleration) or in the opposite direction (negative acceleration).

How is direction of acceleration different from velocity?

Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both the speed and direction of motion, while acceleration is a vector quantity that represents the rate at which an object's velocity is changing over time.

Can an object have a changing direction of acceleration?

Yes, an object can have a changing direction of acceleration if its velocity is constantly changing. This means the object's direction of motion is also changing, causing the direction of acceleration to change accordingly.

How is direction of acceleration related to the net force acting on an object?

The direction of acceleration is directly related to the net force acting on an object. According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration in the direction of the net force.

Can direction of acceleration be negative?

Yes, direction of acceleration can be negative. This means that the object is experiencing a negative acceleration, also known as deceleration, which is a decrease in velocity over time in the opposite direction of the object's initial motion.

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