Calculating Forces in x-y Plane on 5.60 kg Mass

In summary, the problem involves three forces acting on a 5.60 kg mass in the x-y plane. The forces are 9.90 N at 17o, 7.40 N at 167o, and 3.80 N at 208o. The magnitude of the acceleration can be calculated, and the direction of the resultant force can be found using the same sign convention. The solution involves using the equation tan 0 = y/x and taking into account that angles are measured from the positive x-axis in a Counter-Clockwise direction. The correct angle is obtained by taking the inverse tangent of the y and x components, resulting in -68.3 degrees or 291.7 degrees from the positive x
  • #1
alfredo24pr
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0

Homework Statement



Three forces in the x-y plane act on a 5.60 kg mass: 9.90 N directed at 17o, 7.40 N directed at 167o, and 3.80 N directed at 208o. All angles are measured from the positive x-axis, with positive angles in the Counter-Clockwise direction. Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration. Calculate the direction of the resultant force using the same sign convention as above (in degrees).

Homework Equations


*I do not have problem with the magnitude of acceleration, just the angle!*

tan 0 = y/x

The Attempt at a Solution



x component results in - 1.1
y component results in 2.77

the angle has to be expressed from the positive x axis, when i solve tan inverse(2.77/-1.1)
I get -68.3 degrees, therefore from positive x-axis it equals 291.7 degrees. The LONCAPA (an internet homework place, marks my answer incorrectly). Did I do something wrong?
 
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  • #2
tan (angle)=tan(angle+180º)
 
  • #3
PhaseShifter said:
tan (angle)=tan(angle+180º)

thats it! Thank you :D
 

1. How do you calculate the force in the x-y plane on a 5.60 kg mass?

To calculate the force in the x-y plane on a 5.60 kg mass, you will need to use the formula F=ma, where F is the force in newtons, m is the mass in kilograms, and a is the acceleration in meters per second squared. You will also need to consider the direction of the force in the x-y plane and use vector addition to determine the total force.

2. What is the significance of calculating forces in the x-y plane?

Calculating forces in the x-y plane is important because it allows us to understand the overall motion of an object. By breaking down the forces into their x and y components, we can determine the net force and the direction of the object's motion.

3. How does the mass of the object impact the calculation of forces in the x-y plane?

The mass of an object does not directly impact the calculation of forces in the x-y plane. However, the mass will impact the acceleration of the object, which is a factor in the force calculation. Heavier objects will require more force to achieve the same acceleration as lighter objects.

4. Can you provide an example of calculating forces in the x-y plane on a 5.60 kg mass?

Sure, let's say we have a 5.60 kg box on a frictionless surface. We apply a force of 10 newtons at a 30 degree angle above the x-axis. To calculate the force in the x-y plane, we would first need to find the x and y components of the applied force using trigonometry. The x-component would be 10*cos(30) = 8.66 newtons and the y-component would be 10*sin(30) = 5 newtons. The net force in the x-y plane would then be the vector sum of these two components, resulting in a force of 9.55 newtons at an angle of 37.38 degrees above the x-axis.

5. What other factors should be considered when calculating forces in the x-y plane on a 5.60 kg mass?

In addition to mass, acceleration, and direction of force, other factors that should be considered include the presence of other forces acting on the object, such as friction or air resistance. The shape and orientation of the object may also impact the calculation. It is important to carefully analyze the situation and all relevant factors before calculating forces in the x-y plane on a 5.60 kg mass.

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