Finding Ratios of Forces in a Two-Force System | Homework Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nivlac2425
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Forces Ratios
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving two forces, Fa and Fb, applied to an object, with the goal of finding the ratio of their magnitudes. The object experiences different accelerations depending on the direction of the forces, specifically 0.50 m/s² when both forces act east and 0.40 m/s² when Fa acts east and Fb acts west. The user initially struggles with applying the equations of motion but eventually arrives at the correct ratio of Fa to Fb, which is 9. This solution confirms the user's understanding of how to manipulate the equations to find force ratios. The discussion concludes with the user expressing satisfaction in learning how to solve such problems.
Nivlac2425
Messages
53
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Here's the question:
Two forces, Fa and Fb, are applied to an object. The larger force is Fa. When both forces point due east, the object's acceleration has a magnitude of 0.50 m/s^2. However, when Fa points due east, and Fb points due west, the acceleration has a magnitude of 0.40 m/s^2. Find the ratio of Fa/Fb of the magnitudes of the forces.

Homework Equations



F = ma ?
d = Vt + 1/2at^2 ?

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried manipulating the F = ma equation to no avail. Maybe it has something to do with d = Vt + 1/2at^2 but I think maybe I'd have to use Fa + Fb = sigmaF.
But to be honest, I have no idea where to start, especially with finding ratios. I just need a little help forward. Thanks :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Fa + Fb = ma1...(1)
Fa - Fb = ma2...(2)
take the ratio of 1 and 2 and solve for Fa and Fb
 
I've tried something like that, but the book says that the answer is 9. Does that change anything?
 
Nevermind my last post, I've gotten the answer to be 9. Thanks! I'll know how to do ratios now :approve:
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

Similar threads

Back
Top