What are the Forces and Acceleration of a Ball Subjected to Three Forces?

In summary, a 0.5 kg ball is initially at rest and is subject to three forces: F1 = 5.0 N at 36.9 degrees above the horizontal direction, F2 = 2.0 N pointing left, and F3 = 4.0 N pointing down. To determine the net force acting on the ball, trigonometry must be applied to the x- and y-components of each force. The x-component of the net force is -1.71 N and the y-component is -3.93 N. Using Newton's second law, the x- and y-components of the ball's acceleration can be calculated, resulting in a = -3.42 m/s^2 in the
  • #1
MaryJane101
3
0
A 0.5 kg ball initially at rest is subject to three forces:
1. F1 has a magnitude equal to 5.0 N and points 36.9 degrees above the horizontal direction (relative to the positive x direction),
2. F2 has a magnitude equal to 2.0 N and points to the left (negative x direction),
3. F3 has a magnitude equal to 4.0 N and points straight down (negative y direction).

Given these forces, answer the following questions:
a. Draw a free-body diagram showing the forces acting on the ball. Be sure to draw
vectors with the correct lengths. Determine the x- and y-components of each force
and label those values on your diagram.
b. Calculate the x- and y-components of the net force acting on the ball.
c. Calculate the x- and y-components of the ball’s acceleration.
d. Calculate the total distance traveled by the ball after 3.0 s.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
At what point do you get stuck?
 
  • #3
Are you familiar with unit vectors?
 
  • #4
I don't even know where to begin this is all new to me
 
  • #5
i got the free body drawing but how do i do part b c d ?
 
  • #6
For part b, you'll need to apply trig functions (sin and cos) to the forces you drew, using the angle of each of the 3 forces.

Also, keep in mind that:
Horizontal forces (acting to the left or right) act in the +x or -x direction -- there is no y-component.
Vertical forces (up or down) act in the +y or -y direction -- there is no x-component.

Surely there is an example worked out in your textbook or class lecture notes?
 

FAQ: What are the Forces and Acceleration of a Ball Subjected to Three Forces?

What is a "Physic Force Question"?

A "Physic Force Question" is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on understanding the various forces that act on objects and how they affect the motion and behavior of those objects.

What are the main types of forces studied in physics?

The main types of forces studied in physics are gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. These forces govern the interactions between particles and objects in the universe.

How are forces measured in physics?

Forces are measured using units of Newtons (N) in the International System of Units (SI). A force of 1 N is equivalent to the force required to accelerate a mass of 1 kilogram at a rate of 1 meter per second squared.

What is the relationship between mass and force?

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration. This means that the greater the mass of an object, the more force is needed to accelerate it. Similarly, the greater the force applied, the greater the acceleration of the object.

How do forces affect the motion of objects?

Forces can cause objects to change their speed, direction, or shape. Depending on the type of force and the direction it is applied, an object can experience different types of motion, such as linear, circular, or rotational.

Back
Top