Final answer:
The net force can be found using vector addition principles. In this case, the forces form an isosceles triangle, with the resultant of the two 220 N forces being 155.57 N. Subtracting this from the 295 N force gives a net force of 139.43 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnitude of the net force can be found by using the principles of vector addition. As each force has both magnitude and direction, they are represented as vectors. They can be re-arranged so that they form a triangle, where each side of the triangle represents one force. The three forces of 220 N northeast, 295 N west, and 220 N southwest form a triangle which is isosceles, as two sides (the 220 N forces) have the same magnitude. The net force is represented by the resultant of these forces represented as vectors. In an isosceles triangle, the resultant of two equal forces at an angle to each other is the same force multiplied by the cosine of half the angle between them.
In this case, since the forces of 220 N are at a 90-degree angle to one another (northeast and southwest being perpendicular), the resultant is 220 N * cos (90/2) = 220 N * cos 45 = 155.57 N. However, this is not the net force on the object because we have not yet taken into account the 295 N force acting to the west. To find the net force, we subtract this resultant from the 295 N force: 295 N - 155.57 N = 139.43 N. Hence, the magnitude of the net force acting on the object is 139.43 N.
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