Finding Impossible Force with Two Given Forces

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining which force cannot be produced by combining two given forces of 6 N and 2 N. Participants clarify that the question is multiple choice, with options including 8 N and 4 N, both of which can be produced. The use of the cosine rule and triangle drawing is suggested to visualize the problem. Ultimately, the exercise aims to help students recognize impossible outcomes in vector addition. Understanding the geometric relationship between the forces is key to solving the problem.
sharkey1314
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Homework Statement


I got two forces acting on an object. I have the magnitude of the forces, 6 N and 2 N. Then I'm asked to find out what force is impossible to produce with these two forces.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to begin with. Maybe i didn't think hard enough...
 
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Are you sure it's not just asking for an example of a force that can't be produced? This is a very weird question because the number of possible answers is infinite.
Post the exact wording of the question.
 
Theres a choice between 2N and 6N. Sorry. It's a multiple choice question. The other 2 answers are 8N and 4N which is quite obviously can be produced.
 
sharkey1314 said:
Theres a choice between 2N and 6N. Sorry. It's a multiple choice question. The other 2 answers are 8N and 4N which is quite obviously can be produced.
Try drawing some triangles.You will see that only one of those vectors can be produced by adding the given vectors.
 
It will be an isosceles triangle right ?
 
Okay i found out the answers by using cosine rule. Are there some insights on this matter ? lol..
 
sharkey1314 said:
It will be an isosceles triangle right ?

Yes since you want to get either 6N or 2N using a 6N and a 2N.edit:
sharkey1314 said:
Okay i found out the answers by using cosine rule. Are there some insights on this matter ? lol..

The exercise is meant to teach you to watch out for answers that do no make sense.
 
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