An object acted on by three forces moves with constant velocity. one force acting on the object is in the positive x direction and has magnitude of 6.5 N, a second force has a magnitude of 4.4 N and points in the negative direction. Find the direction and magnitude of the third force acting on the object.
total Fx = 0 if no acceleration
6.5 - 4.4 + x = 0
2.1 + x = 0
x = -2.1 N
To find the direction and magnitude of the third force acting on the object, we can start by drawing a diagram representing the forces.
Let's assume that the positive x-axis is pointing to the right, and the negative x-axis is pointing to the left. We have two forces acting on the object:
1. Force 1: 6.5 N in the positive x-direction.
2. Force 2: 4.4 N in the negative x-direction.
Since the object is moving with constant velocity, the net force acting on it must be zero. Therefore, the third force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the sum of the first two forces.
1. Calculate the sum of the forces:
- Force 1: 6.5 N in the positive x-direction.
- Force 2: 4.4 N in the negative x-direction.
Sum = 6.5 N - 4.4 N = 2.1 N in the positive x-direction.
2. The third force must be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, so it would be 2.1 N in the negative x-direction.
Therefore, the direction of the third force is in the negative x-direction, and the magnitude is 2.1 N.