Question

If the only forces acting on a 2.0kg mass are F1 = (3i-8j)N and F2 = (5i+3j)N, what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle?

Answer 1

Answer: 4.7m/s²

Explanation:

According to newton's first law,

Force = mass × acceleration

Since we are given more the one force, we will take the resultant of the two vectors.

Mass = 2.0kg

F1+F2 = (3i-8j)+(5i+3j)

Adding component wise, we have;

F1+F2 = 3i+5i-8j+3j

F1+F2 = 8i-5j

Resultant of the sum of the forces will be;

R² = (8i)²+(-5j)²

Since i.i = j.j = 1

R² = 8²+5²

R² = 64+25

R² = 89

R = √89

R = 9.4N

Our resultant force = 9.4N

Substituting in the formula

F = ma

9.4 = 2a

a = 9.4/2

a = 4.7m/s²

Therefore, magnitude of the acceleration of the particle is 4.7m/s²