Finding the magnitude of a net force

AI Thread Summary
To find the net force on an object, both the magnitude and direction of individual forces must be considered. In the first problem, the gravitational force on the apple is 2.25 N downward and the wind force is 1.05 N to the right, resulting in a net force direction of 25 degrees using the tangent function. For the sailboat, the wind exerts a force of 452 N north and the water exerts 325 N west, leading to a net force direction of 35.7 degrees. The magnitude of the net force in both cases is determined using the Pythagorean theorem. Understanding these calculations is essential for accurately determining net forces in physics problems.
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2 problems both with dealing with finding the magnitude of a net force.

1. A gust of wind blows an apple from a tree. As the apple falls, the gravitational force on the apple is 2.25 N downward, and the force of the wind on the apple is 1.05 N to the right. Find the magnitude and direction of the net force on the apple.

2. The wind exerts a force of 452 N north on a sailboat, while the water exerts a force of 325 N west on the sailboat. Find the magnitude and direction of the net force on the sailboat.


I found the direction already.
tan theta = x/y

1. 1.05/2.25 tan-1 = 25 degrees

2. 325/452 tan-1 = 35.7 degrees

So how do you find magnitude?
 
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never mind. i figured it out. you have to use Pythagorean theorem.
 
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