Two Horizontal Forces Working On an Object

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the motion of a 3.0 kg body subjected to two horizontal forces on a frictionless surface. One force is directed due east, while the other is applied at an angle north of west, leading to questions about the resulting acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the net force calculations, with some focusing on the x and y components of the forces. There are attempts to clarify the effects of the angled force and its implications on acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the forces involved, with some participants agreeing on certain calculations while others raise concerns about the interpretation of the problem's wording and the implications of the forces acting at an angle. The discussion reflects a mix of agreement and differing interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion regarding the problem's description of horizontal forces, particularly the force acting at an angle, and question the implications of the forces on the object's acceleration in the vertical direction.

richard karn
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Homework Statement



Only two horizontal forces act on a 3.0 kg body that can move over a frictionless floor. One force is 9.0 N, acting due east, and the other is 9.4 N, acting 68° north of west. What is the magnitude of the body's acceleration?

Homework Equations



F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



Fnet= 9 - 9.4cos(68) = 5.47869

F=ma
5.47869= 3.0 * a
a=1.826232

The right answer is 3.34 though.
 
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Your answer agrees with mine.
 
I disagree. Fnetx is that, yes, but you forgot about Fnety.

(I'm calling East-West the x direction, and North-South the y-direction).
 
thanks. i was thinking as the other force as pushing into the ground so it wouldn't be accelerating in that direction but then

but 9.4sin(68)/3=2.905

and sqrt(2.905^2+1.8^2) = 3.4
 
Hmm, the object with a 3 kg mass has a weight force of about 30 N acting down. How can it have acceleration in the y direction?? Then again the problem notes there are only 2 horizontal forces acting, but one of them is neither horizontal nor vertical, it is at an angle. Strangely worded problem. Maybe the object and floor are in a zero g or apparent zero g field? That still doesn't explain the 'horiziotal' force acting 68 degrees north of west.
 

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