Need help finding degrees to the right of the forward direct

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of two forces on a car, specifically focusing on calculating the resultant vector's magnitude and direction. The forces are given with specific angles and magnitudes, and the context includes considerations of mass and acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the resultant force's x-component and question the addition of forces acting in opposite directions. There is an exploration of the angle to the right of the forward direction, with attempts to clarify the correct approach to finding this angle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and expressed uncertainty about the angle derived from their results. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the forces and the resultant vector, with suggestions to visualize the forces to aid understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the forces are applied as described, and there is a focus on ensuring calculations are accurate, particularly regarding the x-component of the forces. The discussion reflects a need for clarity on vector addition and angle determination.

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Homework Statement



Two forces are applied to a car in an effort to move it, as shown in the figure below. (Let
F1 = 430 N (10 degrees)
and
F2 = 356 N. (30 degrees)
Assume up and to the right are in the positive directions.)
(a) What is the resultant vector of these two forces?
magnitude=?
° to the right of the forward direction=?
(b)If the car has a mass of 3,000 kg, what acceleration does it have? Ignore friction.

Homework Equations


(430sin(10)) + 356sin(30)=252.67x
(430cos(10)) + 356cos(30)=731.78y
a=(731.78)/(3000)

F=ma
angle = tan-1((731.78y)/(252.67x)) ??[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


For part a I got 774.17N for the magnitude and it was correct
For part b I got 0.244 for the acceleration and it was correct
But I can not for the life of me solve for angle to the right of the forward direction
[/B]
 

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PhysicsPadawan said:

Homework Statement



Two forces are applied to a car in an effort to move it, as shown in the figure below. (Let
F1 = 430 N (10 degrees)
and
F2 = 356 N. (30 degrees)
Assume up and to the right are in the positive directions.)
(a) What is the resultant vector of these two forces?
magnitude=?
° to the right of the forward direction=?
(b)If the car has a mass of 3,000 kg, what acceleration does it have? Ignore friction.

Homework Equations


(430sin(10)) + 356sin(30)=252.67x[/B]

This calculation is incorrect. If you look at the diagram, the x-components of each force act in opposite directions, so you can't simply add them together to find the resultant force in the x-direction.

Always indicate units with your calculations.

(430cos(10)) + 356cos(30)=731.78y
a=(731.78)/(3000)

F=ma
angle = tan-1((731.78y)/(252.67x)) ??

These calculations are OK.

The Attempt at a Solution


For part a I got 774.17N for the magnitude and it was correct
For part b I got 0.244 for the acceleration and it was correct
But I can not for the life of me solve for angle to the right of the forward direction[/B]

If you are still having trouble, make a small sketch of the resultant force vector and F1 and F2. You should be able to find the correct angle once you have calculated the correct x-component of the resultant force.
 
When I recalculated my x-component of the resultant force I got 103.33 N and an angle of 81.96 degrees.
F2x-F1x= Resultant x-component
(356 N sin(30)) - (430 N sin(10))= 103.33 N
tan-1=((731.78)/(103.33)) = 81.96
would 81.96 be the degrees to the right of the forward direction then that the question is asking for?
Thanks for the clarification and help!
 
PhysicsPadawan said:
When I recalculated my x-component of the resultant force I got 103.33 N and an angle of 81.96 degrees.
F2x-F1x= Resultant x-component
(356 N sin(30)) - (430 N sin(10))= 103.33 N
tan-1=((731.78)/(103.33)) = 81.96
would 81.96 be the degrees to the right of the forward direction then that the question is asking for?
Thanks for the clarification and help!
Did you draw the resultant and F1 and F2 to see if this calculation is correct?

I think you have calculated the wrong angle.

Does it seem reasonable that the resultant of F1 and F2 would act at almost a right angle to them?
 

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