Newtons law of motion type of question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving Newton's laws of motion, specifically focusing on the net force acting on an object subjected to two forces of different magnitudes (10N and 4N) with an unknown relative direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different scenarios by visualizing the forces in various configurations, questioning the validity of statements regarding the net force based on these setups.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to analyze the problem by drawing diagrams and considering the forces in different orientations. Guidance has been offered to reconsider the angles at which the forces are applied, suggesting that the forces do not need to be aligned along a single axis.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the implications of the forces being applied at angles, as well as the interpretation of the statements about the net force. Participants are encouraged to break down the forces into components to better understand the relationships involved.

Kurwa
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Two forces, of magnitude 10N and 4N, are applied to an object. The relative direction of the forces is unknown. The net force acting on the object __________.

Check all that apply ?

a) cannot be equal to 5N
b)cannot be equal to 10N
c)cannot be directed the same way as the force of 10N
d) must be greater than 10N

Thanks =]
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Kurwa ! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Show us how far you get, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 


ok well first i drew a 2 different systems (dots)

first dot- both forces to the right i.e 10N and 4N 0-----> 14N
second dot- forces opposite of each other 10N <--0-> 4N = 6N <--

now as you can see (a and b) are true

c) must be true because the net force can act in the same way as the 10N was (second dot)

d) which i totally don't understand because if the two forces are opposite of each other it holds false but if the two forces are in the same direction it holds true ??

soo that's why I am getting them wrong after 3 attempts ?
 


Kurwa said:
ok well first i drew a 2 different systems (dots)

first dot- both forces to the right i.e 10N and 4N 0-----> 14N
second dot- forces opposite of each other 10N <--0-> 4N = 6N <--

now as you can see (a and b) are true

c) must be true because the net force can act in the same way as the 10N was (second dot)

d) which i totally don't understand because if the two forces are opposite of each other it holds false but if the two forces are in the same direction it holds true ??

soo that's why I am getting them wrong after 3 attempts ?


For d.) If the statement is false in one case and true in another, what does that tell you about the statement overall?

for a and b.) Try breaking the 2 forces into x and y components (remember the forces don't have to be applied solely on the axes).
 


Hey NBA- I don't understand your post- ?
 
Kurwa said:
Hey NBA- I don't understand your post- ?

NBAJam100 :smile: means that you've assumed that the forces must be in the same or opposite directions (left or right), but in fact they can be at any angle to each other.

(and your "c) must be true" contradicts your own reasoning :wink:)
 


Kurwa said:
ok well first i drew a 2 different systems (dots)

first dot- both forces to the right i.e 10N and 4N 0-----> 14N
second dot- forces opposite of each other 10N <--0-> 4N = 6N <--

now as you can see (a and b) are true

c) must be true because the net force can act in the same way as the 10N was (second dot)

d) which i totally don't understand because if the two forces are opposite of each other it holds false but if the two forces are in the same direction it holds true ??

soo that's why I am getting them wrong after 3 attempts ?
Try making one of the dots directly up and one to the side, and check all of the statements again - the question didn't say that they're going to be in the same direction.

:smile:
 

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