Force and Vectors Homework: Calculate Net External Force

  • Thread starter Thread starter jumongv2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Vectors
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the net external force on a sailboat subjected to two forces: 100N north from the wind and 98N west from the water. The net external force is determined using the Pythagorean theorem, resulting in a magnitude of approximately 140.01N. For the angle of the net force, clarification is needed that it should be measured from the north (y-axis) towards the west (x-axis), not from the x-axis. The correct angle can be found using trigonometric functions, specifically the tangent function, to relate the forces. Proper understanding of vector addition and angle measurement is crucial for solving part b accurately.
jumongv2
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The wind exerts a force of 100N North on a sailboat, while the water exerts a force of 98N west on the sailboat. a)What is the magnitude of the net external force on the sailboat answer in units of N. b) How many degrees west of north is this net external force directed?


Homework Equations


Pythagorean Theorem, trig


The Attempt at a Solution


So to solve part a I used a²+b²=c², 100²+98²=c² and I got 140.014285 N
Now I'm stuck on part b because when I draw the vectors, I have a vector going straight up(100N) and a vector attached to its tail going to the left(98N). I don't know which angle they are asking for.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
They're asking for the angle from the x-axis to the vector that the vector sum makes. The vector sum isn't the two vectors you mentioned head to tail. It is the hypotenuse between the two.
 
but i did find the hypotenuse of the two vectors. But when I use the angle the resultant makes with the x-axis its wrong.
 
Without you showing your work, we can't show you where you went wrong. What answer did you get?
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Similar threads

Find net external work of a system w/ 2 objects w/ opposite forces
Replies
8
Views
1K
Calculating Net Force on a Wheel: Magnitude and Direction | 0.350 m Radius
Replies
4
Views
2K
Vector problem, magnitude of the force
Replies
30
Views
2K
What is the induced magnetic force on this closed current loop?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Optimized Solving Net Displacement Problem w/ Sailboat Tacking
Replies
4
Views
2K
Magnitude of external electric force on electric dipole
Replies
13
Views
2K
How to Calculate the Bird's Net Displacement Using Vector Addition?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Motion of a Parachuter (Terminal Velocity, Time of Flight, Distance)
Replies
10
Views
1K
Confirmation of a net force calculation from a diagram
Replies
9
Views
2K
Calculating Net Force Using Vector Addition
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top