5.1 Forces

Find the magnitude and direction of the net force in the ice skater example just given.

What properties do forces have that allow us to classify them as vectors?

Two ropes are attached to a tree, and forces of $\overset{\rightarrow}{F}_{1} = 2.0 \hat{i} + 4.0 \hat{j} \text{N}$ and $\overset{\rightarrow}{F}_{2} = 3.0 \hat{i} + 6.0 \hat{j} \text{N}$ are applied. The forces are coplanar (in the same plane). (a) What is the resultant (net force) of these two force vectors? (b) Find the magnitude and direction of this net force.

Two teenagers are pulling on ropes attached to a tree. The angle between the ropes is $30.0 °$. David pulls with a force of 400.0 N and Stephanie pulls with a force of 300.0 N. (a) Find the component form of the net force. (b) Find the magnitude of the resultant (net) force on the tree and the angle it makes with David’s rope.