What Is the Magnitude of the Acceleration of the Mass?

  • Thread starter Thread starter omgitsmonica
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnitude of acceleration for an 11 kg mass subjected to two horizontal forces: 8 N directed north and 6 N directed east. The correct approach involves using vector addition to determine the net force, which is calculated using the Pythagorean Theorem. The resultant force is found to be approximately 10 N, leading to an acceleration of approximately 0.909 m/s² when divided by the mass. The initial calculation of 0.1818 m/s² was incorrect due to neglecting vector components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean Theorem
  • Concept of net force calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in physics
  • Learn about resolving forces into components
  • Explore applications of Newton's Second Law in two dimensions
  • Practice problems involving forces and acceleration
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and force analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of vector problems in force calculations.

omgitsmonica
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
I know this might be a random question. But where did you get this question??
 

Similar threads

Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
A cylinder connected to a hanging mass
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Force pulling on a string at an angle with a block at the other end
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
How do I derive an expression for the velocity vector for any α?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Find the acceleration of the system (2 blocks sliding on a table)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
What is the energy conservation principle in a two masses and pulley problem?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
Find the magnitude of the electric field at point P
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Block drifts off between two moving planes through friction
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Finding the acceleration of the center of mass
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K