A force of 3.8N directed along the positive x-axis combines with a second force directed along the positive y-axis to produce a total force vector of magnitude 6.1N.What is the magnitude of the second vector?
A) 2.7N
B) 9.5N
C) 23.5N
D) 4.8N
E) Not enough information is given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the magnitude of the second vector be represented by Fy.
Then, using vector addition:
√[(3.8N)^2 + Fy^2] = 6.1N
Solving for Fy:
Fy = √[(6.1N)^2 - (3.8N)^2] = 4.8N
Thus, the answer is D) 4.8N.

A Force of 3