Math Problem Statement

Two forces acting on an object have magnitudes of 22 N and 14 N and directions that differ by 50 degrees. Determine the magnitude of the product of mass and acceleration for the body. Give your answer in units of kgms-2, accurate to the nearest integer (whole number).

Hint: first draw a vector diagram for forces you are adding aligned to a sensible x and y axis. Add orthogonal components, then find the magnitude of the resultant.

Solution

To solve this problem, we'll use vector addition to determine the resultant force on the object. Then, since F=maF = ma, the magnitude of the resultant force will also be equal to the product of mass and acceleration, which we need to find.

Steps:

  1. Break the forces into components: We'll align one force along the xx-axis and then break the other into components along the xx- and yy-axes.

    • Let F1=22NF_1 = 22 \, \text{N} act along the xx-axis.
    • Let F2=14NF_2 = 14 \, \text{N} act at an angle of 50° to F1F_1.

    The components of F2F_2 are:

    • F2x=F2cos(50)F_{2x} = F_2 \cos(50^\circ)
    • F2y=F2sin(50)F_{2y} = F_2 \sin(50^\circ)
  2. Find the total force components: The total force in the xx-direction and yy-direction can be calculated as follows:

    • Fx=F1+F2x=22+14cos(50)F_x = F_1 + F_{2x} = 22 + 14 \cos(50^\circ)
    • Fy=F2y=14sin(50)F_y = F_{2y} = 14 \sin(50^\circ)
  3. Find the magnitude of the resultant force: The magnitude of the resultant force FresultantF_{\text{resultant}} is given by: Fresultant=Fx2+Fy2F_{\text{resultant}} = \sqrt{F_x^2 + F_y^2}

  4. Calculate the value: Let’s compute the components and find the resultant magnitude.The magnitude of the product of mass and acceleration (which is equal to the resultant force) is approximately 33kgm/s233 \, \text{kg} \, \text{m/s}^2 (rounded to the nearest integer).

Would you like more details on any part of this calculation?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would the magnitude of the resultant force change if the angle between the forces increased?
  2. What happens to the resultant force if the magnitudes of both forces are doubled?
  3. How do the xx- and yy-components of a vector help in understanding vector addition?
  4. If the forces were perpendicular (i.e., 90 degrees apart), how would the magnitude of the resultant force change?
  5. How is this vector addition applicable in real-world problems involving forces?

Tip: When working with forces, always resolve them into components along perpendicular axes, as it simplifies vector addition greatly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Physics - Force and Acceleration

Formulas

Resultant force magnitude: F_resultant = √(F_x^2 + F_y^2)
Force components: F_x = F1 + F2 * cos(θ), F_y = F2 * sin(θ)
Newton's Second Law: F = ma

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem for vector magnitude
Newton's Second Law of Motion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12