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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the net force on corner A of an equilateral triangle where three objects with different masses are located at each corner. The masses are specified, and the sides of the triangle are given. The inquiry focuses on understanding the forces acting on corner A due to the other two corners, B and C.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation Fnet = MA but expresses uncertainty about the relevance of the triangle's geometry and the absence of a total mass for the system. Some participants question whether the forces in consideration are gravitational or if there are tension forces involved due to connections between the objects.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring various interpretations of the forces acting on the objects. Some participants suggest drawing the triangle to visualize the forces and recommend breaking down the gravitational forces into components. There is no explicit consensus on the approach to take, but guidance on considering vector components has been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information regarding the connections between the objects and the specific forces at play, which may affect the calculations. The absence of a total mass for the triangle is also highlighted as a potential constraint.

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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.
 
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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]
 

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