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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two physics problems involving forces and motion. The first problem involves calculating the magnitude and direction of acceleration for a sailboat subjected to forces from the wind and water. The second problem concerns the distance a cart moves when pushed with a horizontal force, starting from rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of Pythagoras' theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant force in the first problem. Questions arise about the relationship between magnitude and resultant vectors. For the second problem, there is mention of kinematic equations and initial conditions, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the application of these concepts.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the use of mathematical principles, such as Pythagorean theorem and kinematic equations. There are indications of attempts to calculate values, but no consensus on the correctness of the results has been reached. Multiple interpretations of the problems are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the type of assistance they can provide. There is also a mention of ignoring friction in the second problem, which could affect the calculations.

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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.
---------------------------------
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)
-----------------------------------
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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