Resultant Force #2 - Calculating ##\vec{F}_R##

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the resultant force for a given diagram. The individual components of the force are identified and added together to get the final vertical force. The magnitude and direction of the resultant force are then calculated using trigonometry. The notation "W 39.81° N" is clarified to mean 39.81° north of due west.
  • #1
STEMucator
Homework Helper
2,076
140

Homework Statement



I need to calculate the resultant force ##\vec{F}_R## for the following :

http://gyazo.com/5f2d7aad6aaed178135909480016e04a

I had another thread where I clarified a few things I hope will be good now.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So first I should get my components. There are three vectors to consider by the looks of the diagram.

##F_N = 8N + 17Ncos(45°)##
##F_S = 10N##
##F_W = 17Nsin(45°)##

Let ##F_V## denote the final vertical force. Note that I switch the direction of south to north as to add the vectors together :

##F_V = F_N - F_S = -2N + 17Ncos(45°) = 10.02N##

##∴\vec{F}_V = 10.02N [N]##

Thus ##F_R = \sqrt{(10.02N)^2 + (17Nsin(45°))^2} = 15.65N##.

To find the direction of ##F_R## consider :

##tan(θ) = \frac{10.02N}{17Nsin(45°)}##
##∴ θ = 39.81°##

##∴ \vec{F}_R = 15.65N [W 39.81° N]##

I hope all the arrows and the contexts are okay now.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Looks good -- if "W 39.81° N" means 39.81° north of due west.
 
  • #3
Redbelly98 said:
Looks good -- if "W 39.81° N" means 39.81° north of due west.

Yup, I opt to read from right to left when using that notation.

Thanks for looking over it :)
 

Related to Resultant Force #2 - Calculating ##\vec{F}_R##

1. What is a resultant force?

A resultant force is the overall force that results from combining two or more forces acting on an object. It represents the net effect of all the forces acting on the object.

2. How do you calculate the resultant force?

To calculate the resultant force, you need to add together all the individual forces acting on the object. This can be done by using vector addition, where each force is represented by a vector with magnitude and direction. The resultant force is then calculated by finding the vector sum of all the individual forces.

3. What is the difference between resultant force and net force?

Resultant force and net force are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Resultant force refers to the overall force that results from combining all the individual forces acting on an object, while net force refers to the sum of all the forces acting on an object in a specific direction.

4. What is the unit of measurement for resultant force?

The unit of measurement for resultant force is the same as that for force, which is Newtons (N). This is a derived unit that combines mass (kg) and acceleration (m/s²).

5. Can the resultant force be zero?

Yes, the resultant force can be zero if all the individual forces acting on an object cancel each other out. This means that the object is in a state of equilibrium, where there is no net force acting on it.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
370
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
370
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
416
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
394
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
444
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
555
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
498
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top