What Are the Forces at Play in Antarctic Snowcat Towing?

In summary, the problem involves two snowcats towing a housing unit in Antarctica. Snowcat A pulls at an angle of 49 degrees west of north, while snowcat B pulls at an angle of 31 degrees east of north. The sum of the forces exerted by the horizontal cables on the unit is north and parallel to line L, with FA being 4633 N. The task is to determine the magnitude of FB and the total force of FA+FB. However, the correct approach is to add the force components that point to the north, rather than the total forces. Upon solving, FB is equal to 6789 N and the total force of FA+FB is 11422 N. It is important to be careful
  • #1
milkywayiguana

Homework Statement


Two snowcats in Antarctica are towing a housing unit north, (an example is shown in Figure 4-50 on page 102). Snowcat A pulls at an angle 49 o west of north, and snow cat B pulls at an angle 31 o east of north. The sum of the forces FA and FB exerted on the unit by the horizontal cables is north, parallel to the line L, and FA= 4633 N. Determine FB, and determine the magnitude of FA+FB.

2. Homework Equations
∑F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


FA=4633N at 49
FB= xN at 31

FB(sin Θ)=FA(sin Θ)

FB(sin 31)=4633(sin49)

FB=4633(sin(49)/sin(31))

FB=6789

FB + FA=4633 + 6789
=11422

FB=6789
FB+FA=11422

My physics homework is online and requires me to plug the numbers in before automatically grading them. I plugged in 6789 and the answer was correct, however 11422 was wrong? Where did I mess up?
 
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  • #2
Looks like you added the total forces. However, they point in different directions.

You were asked just to add the force components that point to the north.
 
  • #3
Be careful when you translate "west of North" and "east of North" into angles. I think you did that wrong. I suggest that you draw a diagram of the vectors and their components to keep everything straight.
 
  • #4
FactChecker said:
Be careful when you translate "west of North" and "east of North" into angles.
Especially in Antarctica if you are at or near the South Pole. :smile:
 
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Likes FactChecker

What is the concept of "Addition of Two Forces"?

The concept of "Addition of Two Forces" is a fundamental principle in physics, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the sum of all the individual forces acting on that object. It is based on the idea that forces are vectors and can be added or subtracted using vector addition.

How do you calculate the net force when two or more forces act on an object?

To calculate the net force, you need to find the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on the object. This involves adding the magnitudes of the forces and considering their directions. If the forces are acting in the same direction, you simply add their magnitudes. If they are acting in opposite directions, you subtract their magnitudes.

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces?

When two or more forces acting on an object are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, they are considered to be balanced. This results in a net force of zero, and the object will remain at rest or continue moving at a constant velocity. On the other hand, when the forces are not equal, they are considered to be unbalanced, and the object will experience a change in velocity in the direction of the net force.

Can forces be added if they are not acting on the same object?

No, forces can only be added if they are acting on the same object. This is because forces are an interaction between two objects and their effects depend on the properties of those objects. Adding forces acting on different objects would not make physical sense and is not a valid calculation in the context of "Addition of Two Forces."

How does the angle between two forces affect the net force?

The angle between two forces affects the net force by changing the direction and magnitude of the resultant force. When the angle between the two forces is 0 degrees, the resultant force will be the sum of the two forces. As the angle increases, the resultant force will decrease in magnitude and change in direction. At an angle of 90 degrees, the resultant force will be 0, and the two forces will cancel each other out.

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