Solve Magnitude & Distance: 390 N North, 180 N East, m=270 kg & 10 N, m=30 kg

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The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude and direction of acceleration for a sailboat experiencing forces of 390 N north and 180 N east, resulting in a magnitude of 429.5 N and an acceleration of 1.6 m/s² toward the northeast. Participants also address a separate problem involving a shopper pushing a cart with a force of 10 N, leading to a distance of 1.5 m traveled in 3 seconds, starting from rest. The use of Pythagorean theorem and kinematic equations is emphasized for solving these physics problems. Clarifications about resultant vectors and displacement are provided to enhance understanding. Overall, the thread effectively guides users through fundamental physics concepts related to force and motion.
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[SOLVED] Magnitude - Distance

#1
The force of the wind on the sails of a sailboat is 390 N north. The water exerts a force of 180 N east. If the boat (including crew) has a mass of 270 kg, what are the magnitude and direction of its acceleration.
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390 N North, 180 N East.
m = 270 kg

I never know how to find the magnitude, can some one help or explain the magnitude to me ?


#2
A shopper in a supermarket pushes a loaded cart with a horizontal force of 10 N. The cart has a mass of 30 kg. HOw far will it move in 3.0 s, starting from the rest? (Ignore friction)
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Horizontal F = 10 N
m = 30kg
t = 3 s
d = rt
v (initial) = 0

I only got to this point ?
Help please ? Thanks
 
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Well for part one you simply use pythagoras' theorem. Think of the components of force as two sides of a right angled triangle. For part two you will need to use one of the kinematic equations. Are you familiar with these?

They can be found here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=110015
 
#1
So the magnitude is the same as the resultant !
#2
I only know to the Newton 2nd Law
 
A resultant vector is a sum of vectors, the magnitude of the vector is the length of the vector.

For number two try applying the following kinematic equation.

s = ut+\frac{1}{2}at^2

,where s is the distance traveled and u is the initial velocity.
 
#1
mag = 429.5 N
acc is NorthEast with the value 1.6 m/s2

#2
OH, i forgot that equation ! Forgot to think of the term displacement !
d = 1.5 m
Is that correct ?
 
You may need to work out an angle for number 1. I'm not sure if they'll let you get away with just north east. Other than that you're correct.
 
IK ! Thanks
 
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