What is the magnitude and direction of the second force vector in this scenario?

[LuvIz4ever]

I can't figur this out!

Now i got the answer to this problem but i am so confused at this one thing... how is it that the answer is 200 N of East and 600 N of west


the question is

A force vector F1 points due east with a magnitude of 200 Newtons and a second force F2 is added to F1. The resultant of the two vectors has a magnitude of 400 Newtons and points along the East and west line. Find the magnitude and direction of F2 note that there are 2 answers.


My question is I know the answers 2oo east and 6oo west but why north of east or north of west.

 

[Doc Al]

how is it that the answer is 200 N of East and 600 N of west

I suspect that the N stands for Newtons, not north.

 

[LuvIz4ever]

Thanks But...

Actually in the answer book it tells me it is North... I think it is weird though because of the fact that it has nothing about North.. in the question

 

[Diane_]

The answer in your book must be wrong. You have an initial vector pointing along the east-west line. If you add to it a vector with any component at all in the north-south direction, the resultant cannot possibly be entirely along the east-west line. I suspect the Doc is absolutely right.

 

[LuvIz4ever]

... I figured that... thanks! sooooo! Much!

 

[timeformation]

simply put, there is 200 going "right" and 600 going "left" add 200 + (-600) leads to a net of 400, and this 400 is along EW or as most would say x-axis..

yw