How Do I Calculate the Net Force on Corner A in an Equilateral Triangle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter whyisad
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Assignment Forces
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The net force on corner A of an equilateral triangle with masses of 5.5 kg at A, 7.5 kg at B, and 10.0 kg at C can be calculated using the formula Fnet = MA. Each corner experiences gravitational forces due to the other two masses, which act at angles of 60 degrees relative to the triangle's geometry. To find the net force, one must calculate the gravitational force between each pair of masses, resolve these forces into their vector components, and sum them accordingly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculations
  • Familiarity with vector resolution and component analysis
  • Basic geometry of equilateral triangles
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate gravitational force using F = G(m1*m2)/r²
  • Learn vector resolution techniques for force components
  • Study equilibrium conditions in static systems
  • Explore applications of Newton's laws in multi-body systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and forces, as well as educators looking for examples of net force calculations in systems with multiple masses.

whyisad
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


There's an equilateral triangle with three objects on every corner. Corners named A, B, and C.
The mass of each:
A - 5.5 kg
B - 7.5 kg
C- 10.0 kg

The sides of the triangles are also 5.0 cm each.

There are no other forces acting on the corners. How do I calculate the net force experienced by A due to the other two objects, on corners B and C?

Homework Equations


Fnet = MA

The Attempt at a Solution


I couldn't really figure out the question... the only things I did were:
Used Fnet=MA to convert the mass of each corner into Newtons
I also realized it was an equilateral triangle, so each corner would be 60 degrees.. and therefore, we could find the exact direction that each corner is pulling towards... not sure if its relevant. They didn't give a mass for the entire triangle either, so I don't think I can find the total mass including the objects at the corners.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are we talking about the force of gravity between the objects?
Or are the objects connected so there will be some tension force on one object due to the other two?
 
The forces of gravity between the objects, likely.
 
Draw the triangle first and look at it.
You should notice that point masses at either end of the base of the triangle have a force acting at 60 degrees from the top mass, and a parallel force coming from the opposing end of the base. Calculate the force of gravity between each mass, paying attention to the angle it's acting at, and split it into its components. (x)i +(y)j=Fg in vector form. Pay attention the direction and just add up the components that way. Magnitude of the vector is sqrt[(x)i^2+(y)j^2]
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K