What Is the Magnitude of the Acceleration of the Mass?

[omgitsmonica]

Homework Statement

Two horizontal forces act on a 11 kg mass. One force has a magnitude of 8 N and is directed due north. The second force toward the east has a magnitude of 6 N. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the mass?

Homework Equations

F=ma

a=F(net)/mass

The Attempt at a Solution

Force North = 8
Force East = 6

8-6=2, net force =2

a=2/11

a=.1818


I think that might be wrong, because I feel like there should be vectors or something involved?

 

[razored]

I think there should be vectors involved. Find the magnitude of a vector 8N going N and 6N going east--Pythagorean Theorem. Then when you found the resultant of those two forces, take this force and divide it by the mass (11kg); thereby, giving you the acceleration.

 

[zzoo4]

I know this might be a random question. But where did you get this question??