Two forces are the only forces acting on a 3.0-kg object which moves with an acceleration of 3.0 m/s² in the positive y direction. If one of the forces acts in the positive x direction and has a magnitude of 8.0 N, what is the magnitude of the other force? A) 12 N B) 14 N C) 16 N D) 18 N E) 22 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force in the y direction is given by F = ma = 3.0 kg * 3.0 m/s² = 9.0 N. Since the force in the x direction is 8.0 N, the other force must provide the entire 9.0 N in the y direction. Using the Pythagorean theorem, the magnitude of the other force is √(8.0² + 9.0²) = √(64 + 81) = √145 ≈ 12 N.

Two Forces Are the Only Forces Acting on a 3