How do you calculate the net force when there are multiple forces in different directions?

Question

asked Apr 22, 2021 106k views

1 Answer

GAURAV MAHALE · Answer 1 · 2021-04-28T04:08:54+0000

To find
F_(net) we need to use vector addition and use the x and y components. First we subtract vector 2 from vector 5 which results in a vector with a length of 3 pointing directly east, then we use the distance formula to find the length of the net force
$F_(net) = √((3)^2+(4)^2) \\$ which gives
F_(net) = 5 . We now have a magnitude but we also need a direction, since vector 4 and vector 5 are perpendicular. Using
$\theta = \tan^(-1) ((4)/(3))$ where tan^-1(y/x) we get an angle of 53 degrees. The resultant force vector is 5 distance with an angle of 53 degrees north east.