Force and Vectors Homework: Calculate Net External Force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net external force on a sailboat subjected to two forces: one from the wind and another from the water. The subject area is vector addition in physics, specifically focusing on forces and their directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the net force and is now questioning how to determine the angle of the resultant vector. Some participants clarify that the angle should be measured from the x-axis to the resultant vector, not from the individual forces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on interpreting the angle measurement. There is an indication that the original poster may have made an error in their calculations, but specific details are not provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the angle being asked for, as well as the need for the original poster to share their work for further assistance.

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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.
 
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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?
 

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