The Force components acting on an object

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the x and y components of the net force on a 1.4 kg object in Figure 1. One user suggests adding the forces in the x and y direction and dividing by 1.4. Another user suggests using the same procedure and asks for clarification on the incorrect answer given. The conversation also mentions using the equation F=ma and rounding to the appropriate number of significant figures.
  • #1
Cb8
4
1
Homework Statement
The forces in (Figure 1) act on a 1.4 kg object.

A) What is the value of ax, the x-component of the object's acceleration?

B) What is the value of ay, the y-component of the object's acceleration?
Relevant Equations
F= M•a
Another user suggested adding the forces in the x and y direction then dividing by 1.4.
Doing this for A) gave me 4.285 which was wrong any suggestions?
 

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  • #2
How about finding the x and y components of the net force?
 
  • #3
Cb8 said:
Another user suggested adding the forces in the x and y direction then dividing by 1.4.
Doing this for A) gave me 4.285 which was wrong any suggestions?
That suggestion is correct. How sure are you that your work was correct? The suggestion by @Doc Al involves the same procedure as that of the other user up to the point of dividing by 1.4.
 
  • #4
Cb8 said:
Homework Statement:: The forces in (Figure 1) act on a 1.4 kg object.

A) What is the value of ax, the x-component of the object's acceleration?

B) What is the value of ay, the y-component of the object's acceleration?
Relevant Equations:: F= M•a

Another user suggested adding the forces in the x and y direction then dividing by 1.4.
Doing this for A) gave me 4.285 which was wrong any suggestions?
1. How did you calculate the value 4.285? I get a different answer. Can you show your steps?
2. Values can be positive or negative so check you are using the correct sign.
3. You need to round your answer to an appropriate number of signficant figures.
4. You need to include the units.
 

FAQ: The Force components acting on an object

What is the force acting on an object?

The force acting on an object is a push or pull that causes the object to accelerate. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

What are the different types of forces?

There are four fundamental forces: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear. Other types of forces include friction, tension, normal force, and applied force.

How do forces affect an object's motion?

Forces can cause an object to change its speed, direction, or both. They can also cause an object to stop or start moving, or to change shape.

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces?

When the forces acting on an object are equal in size and opposite in direction, they are balanced and the object's motion will not change. Unbalanced forces, on the other hand, cause the object to accelerate in the direction of the net force.

How can the force acting on an object be calculated?

The force acting on an object can be calculated using Newton's second law, which states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration (F=ma). It can also be calculated using the formula for specific types of forces, such as the force of gravity (F=mg) or the force of friction (F=μN).

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