Question

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

Answer 1

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.