Finding Resultant Force Components and Magnitude: Fx, Fy, F, and \gamma

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the resultant force components and magnitude from two forces, F1 and F2, each defined by their magnitudes and angles in relation to the coordinate axes. The forces are situated in different quadrants, which adds complexity to the calculations of their components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss converting forces into components, with one attempting to visualize the forces as triangles. There are questions about the correct method for calculating the x and y components and ensuring the correct signs are used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to calculate the components of the forces. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of checking the signs of the components and using Pythagorean theorem for resultant calculations. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the type of assistance they can provide. There is also a mention of previous attempts that did not yield correct results, indicating potential misunderstandings in the approach to the problem.

spokorne
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I've been stuck on this problem for too long and need help. Please explain the answer if possible.

F1 has a magnitude of 8.80 n and is directed at an angle of \alpha= 65.0 above the negative x-axis in the second quadrant. F2 has a magnitude of 6.40 N and is directed at an angle of \beta = 53.3 below the negative x-axis in the third quadrant.


What is the x component Fx of the resultant force?

What is the y component Fy of the resultant force?

What is the magnitude F of the resultant force?

What is the angle \gamma that the resultant force forms with the negative x axis? In this problem, assume that positive angles are measured clockwise from the negative x axis.
 

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Welcome to PF.

What have you attempted?
 
i tried making them into triangles and then using the lengths as the force. then i figured out the upward force and minused the downard force to find the total vertical force but it isn't right
 
Maybe if you calculated the x,y components of the vectors it would be a little easier?
 
how do you go about doing that?
 
The dog on a leash is an example at the bottom of this link:
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/CLASS/vectors/u3l1e.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That's what I did previously and then then i found the difference in the two and it was incorrect
 
I can't see your effort, so you should check that you have the correct sign of the x components when you add them and the y components.

After you have added them then you use what Pythagoras taught.
 

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