What's the Total Force Exerted on the Skater?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total force exerted on a 65.0-kg ice skater being pushed by two others, with given forces F1 and F2. The context includes vector components and angle considerations based on a provided figure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the vector components of the forces based on their angles and questions the correctness of their angle translations. Some participants confirm the angle analysis and discuss the labeling of axes.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the correctness of angle translations and axis labeling. The original poster acknowledges the need to redo calculations based on feedback received.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of axis labeling as X, Z instead of X, Y, which may affect the calculations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their initial calculations and seeks clarification.

Austin Gibson
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Homework Statement


"Consider the 65.0-kg ice skater being pushed by two others as shown in the figure below."
Figure: https://gyazo.com/9d7525071f54b00ea7e720abdeb50594
upload_2018-10-8_18-17-2.png


Find the total force exerted on her by the others, given that F1 = 21N and F2 = 36N. Express your answer in vectorm form.

Homework Equations


I doubt "F=ma" is relevant for this question considering we're merely calculating the force directed towards the skater instead of her movement thereafter.

The Attempt at a Solution


I calculated the components of F1 and F2 with the following numbers:
I judged the angle of F1 to be (360 - 24 = 336).
F1: 21cos336 (x-component) + 21sin336 (y-component).
I judged the angle of F2 to be (90 - 24 = 66).
F2: 36cos66 (x-component) + 36sin66 (y-component).
I calculated the sum of these as 33.84i + 24.35j.
Judging by the picture, are my translations of the angles correct?
Any guidance is appreciated.

 

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Yes, your analysis of the angles is correct and thus your expressions for the components of ##F_1## and ##F_2## are correct. I haven't checked the numerical calculation but I always consider that to be a small part of the solution.
 
The axis appear to be labeled X , Z rather than X, Y.
 
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CWatters said:
The axis appear to be labeled X , Z rather than X, Y.
Well spotted. And notice the direction of +Z axis :wink:
 
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Aha! That was mildly clumsy of me. I apologize. I appreciate your keen eyes. With this new information, I will redo my calculations. Thank you for your contributions.
 
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