Question

An interplanetary space probe is flying by Jupiter on its way to the Oort Cloud. The gravity of the sun is pulling it downward with a force of 631 N. Jupiter is simultaneously pulling the probe sideways with a force of 255 N. What is the net force acting on the space probe?

Answer 1

680.6 N

Step-by-step explanation:

The net force here is the resultant force. Taking that the two given forces act perpendicular to each other then the resultant is the hypotenuse. Therefore,
`R=\sqrt {d^(2)+s^(2)}` where d is the magnitude of downward force and s is the magnitude of the sideways force. Substituting 631 N for downward force and 255 N for sideways force then
`R=\sqrt {631^(2)+255^(2)}=680.5776958\approx 680.6 N`

Therefore, the magnitude of net force is equivalent to 680. 6 N