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Ch 03: Vectors and Coordinate Systems
Chapter 3, Problem 3

Four forces are exerted on the object shown in FIGURE P3.45. (Forces are measured in newtons, abbreviated N.) The net force on the object is Fₙₑₜ = F₁ + F₂ + F₃ + F₄ = 4.0î N. What are (a) F₃ and (b) F₄? Give your answers in component form. Diagram showing four forces acting on an object with magnitudes and directions labeled.

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Identify the given forces and their directions: F_a = 7.0 N (upward), F_b (rightward), F_c (downward), and F_d = 5.0 N at 30° to the left of the negative x-axis.
Resolve F_d into its x and y components: F_d_x = 5.0 N * cos(30°) and F_d_y = 5.0 N * sin(30°).
Write the net force equation in component form: F_net = (F_a_x + F_b_x + F_c_x + F_d_x) î + (F_a_y + F_b_y + F_c_y + F_d_y) ĵ.
Substitute the known values and components into the net force equation: 4.0 î N = (0 + F_b + F_c_x + F_d_x) î + (7.0 + 0 + F_c + F_d_y) ĵ.
Solve the system of equations for F_c and F_b by equating the x and y components separately: F_b + F_d_x = 4.0 N and 7.0 + F_c + F_d_y = 0.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Net Force

The net force is the vector sum of all individual forces acting on an object. It determines the object's acceleration according to Newton's second law, F_net = ma, where F_net is the net force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. In this problem, the net force is given as 4.0 N in the x-direction, which means the combined effect of all forces results in this specific force acting on the object.
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Vector Components

Forces are vector quantities, meaning they have both magnitude and direction. To analyze forces effectively, they can be broken down into their components along the x and y axes. This involves using trigonometric functions to resolve forces into their horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components, which simplifies the calculation of net forces and allows for easier application of Newton's laws.
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Equilibrium

An object is in equilibrium when the net force acting on it is zero, meaning all forces balance out. In this scenario, while the net force is not zero, understanding equilibrium helps in analyzing how the forces interact. The forces F₃ and F₄ must be calculated to ensure that when added to the known forces, they yield the specified net force of 4.0 N, indicating a balance of forces in the system.
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