Help finding the magnitude of the net force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net force exerted on a textbook by three students pulling in different directions. Student A applies a force of 61.88 N, Student B exerts 31.92 N, and Student C pulls with 104.20 N at an angle of 80.8 degrees above the -x axis. To find the net force, participants are advised to resolve each force into its x and y components, sum these components, and then calculate the resultant force's magnitude and direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector resolution into components
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Knowledge of force magnitude and direction
  • Basic principles of equilibrium and net force calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to resolve forces into x and y components using trigonometry
  • Study the calculation of resultant vectors from multiple forces
  • Explore the concept of net force and its implications in physics
  • Practice problems involving multiple forces and angles to strengthen understanding
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Students studying physics, particularly those learning about forces and vector resolution, as well as educators seeking to explain net force calculations in practical scenarios.

dragon18
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Three students converge on the last textbook in the store. All three grab it and begin to pull in the directions shown in the above figure. Student A exerts a force of 61.88 N, student B pulls with a force of 31.92 N, and student C pulls with a force of 104.20 N at an angle θ(theta)=80.8 degrees above the -x axis.
Considering these three forces (ignore the force of gravity on the book), what is the magnitude of the net force on the book?

Give the angle of the resultant force with respect to the +x-axis. Assume the counter-clockwise direction to be positive and the clockwise direction to be negative.


I honestly have no idea where to begin. I know how to find the net force with 2 forces being exerted but not three, and definitely not with an angle! I would really appreciate help, even if its just hints point me in the right direction!
 
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dragon18 said:
Three students converge on the last textbook in the store. All three grab it and begin to pull in the directions shown in the above figure. Student A exerts a force of 61.88 N, student B pulls with a force of 31.92 N, and student C pulls with a force of 104.20 N at an angle θ(theta)=80.8 degrees above the -x axis.
Considering these three forces (ignore the force of gravity on the book), what is the magnitude of the net force on the book?

Give the angle of the resultant force with respect to the +x-axis. Assume the counter-clockwise direction to be positive and the clockwise direction to be negative.


I honestly have no idea where to begin. I know how to find the net force with 2 forces being exerted but not three, and definitely not with an angle! I would really appreciate help, even if its just hints point me in the right direction!

Welcome to the PF.

Just resolve each force into its x & y components, and add the components to get the resultant x & y components. Then you can convert that back into an overall force magnitude and direction.

Please show us your work on that (and post the diagram if you can too).
 

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