Laws of motion/vectors question?

[ooohlala]

1. Homework Statement

A 10 kg block is subjected to two forces (10i + 20j) N and (6i - 8j) N. The magnitude of the resultant acceleration is

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (c) 5


2. Homework Equations

F=ma


3. The Attempt at a Solution

I was thinking maybe I should add the horizontal components to get the force acting horizontally, and then substitute that and the mass into F=ma to get 'a', but that way I get 1.6 m/s^2 which isn't even an option. Someone help, please?

 

[ehild]

What about the vertical components?

ehild

 

[ooohlala]

Yes, I don't know how I'm supposed to take them into account. I thought there's no need to. :S Tell me how to start?

 

[ehild]

Yes, I don't know how I'm supposed to take them into account. I thought there's no need to. :S Tell me how to start?

You have learned vector addition. The resultant of two vectors added is a new vector. All vectors have components. How do you get the components of the resultant vector?

ehild

 

[ooohlala]

By adding 10 to 6 and 20 to -8 to get (16i + 12j)?

 

[ehild]

Yes. Now you have F=ma. The acceleration is vector, and it points at the same direction as F. Therefore its magnitude is proportional to the magnitude of the force. You have to find the magnitude or the force first. How do you get the length (magnitude) of a vector?

ehild

 

[ooohlala]

Haha thank you, I got the answer. :)

 

[ehild]

Haha thank you, I got the answer. :)

Congratulation!

ehild