What is the vector sum of a 65 N force acting due east and a 32 N force acting due west?
To find the vector sum of the given forces, we need to add them together using vector addition.
Step 1: Draw a vector diagram.
Draw the two forces as arrows on a piece of paper. Since the east direction is considered positive and the west direction is considered negative, draw a 65 N arrow pointing towards the right (east) and a 32 N arrow pointing towards the left (west).
Step 2: Add the vectors.
Place the tail of the second vector (32 N pointing west) at the head of the first vector (65 N pointing east). The arrow formed from the tail of the first vector to the head of the second vector represents the vector sum.
Step 3: Find the resultant vector.
Use the parallelogram rule, where you complete the parallelogram with the given vectors as adjacent sides. Drawing a line connecting the opposite corners of the parallelogram will give you the resultant vector.
Step 4: Measure the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.
Use a ruler to measure the length of the resultant vector in the diagram. This length represents the magnitude of the vector sum. Use a protractor to measure the angle that the resultant vector makes with the positive x-axis. This angle represents the direction of the vector sum.
By following these steps, you should be able to find the vector sum of the given forces.