Question

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

Answer 1

Given F_a = 8 N

F_b = 6 N

m = 5 kg

The result ant force F is given by,

F = \(\sqrt {Fa^2+Fb^2}\)

= \(\sqrt {64+36} = 10 N\)

we know from the figure that

tan θ = \(\frac {F_b}{F_a} =\frac {6}{8}\)

= 0.75

⇒ θ = tan^-1 (0.75) = 37° with 8 N force.