Question

A body of mass 5 kg is acted upon by two perpendicular force 8 N and 6 N. Give the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the body.

Answer 1

Here, F₁ = 8 N and F₂ = 6 N

The magnitude of the resultant force acting on the body is given by

F = √{(F₁)² + (F₂)²}

= √{(8)² + (6)²} = 10 N

Therefore, a = F/M

= 10/5 = 2 ms^-2

If F makes angle θ with the direction F₁, then

cosθ = F₁/F = 8/1 = 0.8

⇒ θ = cos^-1 (0.8) = 36.87°