What is the acceleration of the mass?

Question

Two horizontal forces act on a 5.0-kg mass. One force has a magnitude of 8.0 N and is directed due north. The second force toward the east has a magnitude of 6.0 N. What is the acceleration of the mass?

What formula would be used here

Answer 1

Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force:

Fr² = 8²*6²

Fr² = 64+36

Fr = √100

Fr = 10N

Acceleration = Force / mass

Acceleration = 10/5

Acceleration = 2m/s²

Because acceleration is a vector, you have to give the direction:

tan Θ = 8/6 = 1.333

Θ = 53.12°

The acceleration of the mass is 2m/s² at an angle of 53.12° north of east.

Answer 2

Simple F=m*a

This question is ambiguous because the solution would be different depends on whether the object affected by gravitational force or not.