What is the vector sum of a 65 N force acting due east and a 32 N force acting due west?
65 - 32 = 33 east
To find the vector sum of two forces acting in opposite directions, we need to subtract the smaller force from the larger force and determine the resulting direction.
In this case, we have a 65 N force acting due east and a 32 N force acting due west.
Step 1: Assign a positive sign to the larger force (65 N - east) and a negative sign to the smaller force (32 N - west).
Step 2: Calculate the difference between the two forces: 65 N - 32 N = 33 N.
Step 3: Determine the resulting direction. Since the larger force (65 N - east) is greater than the smaller force (32 N - west), the resulting force would be in the direction of the larger force. Therefore, the vector sum is 33 N in the eastward direction.
To find the vector sum of two forces, we need to consider both their magnitudes (strengths) and directions. In this case, we have a 65 N force acting due east and a 32 N force acting due west.
First, let's draw a vector diagram. We'll represent the 65 N force as an arrow pointing to the right (east) and the 32 N force as an arrow pointing to the left (west).
Now, to find the vector sum, we need to combine these two forces. Since they act in opposite directions, we subtract the magnitude of the westward force from the magnitude of the eastward force:
65 N - 32 N = 33 N
The resulting vector sum will have a magnitude of 33 N. To determine the direction, we need to consider the direction of the larger force, which is due east. Therefore, the vector sum of the two forces is a 33 N force acting due east.