Forces of 11.5 N north, 20.4 N east, and 15.7 N south are simultaneously applied to a 3.74 kg mass as it rests on an air table. What is the direction of the acceleration in degrees? (Take east to be 0 degrees and counterclockwise to be positive.)

Answer 1

add the forces vectors.

a= F/m

combine the N-S forces, leaving you a S force, add that to E.

Answer 2

It's asking for the direction of acceleration. I calculated the acceleration already.

Answer 3

Use the two force vectors to get it.

YOu have a net S force, and a net E force.

tHe angle S of east is given by arctan S/E where S and E are the resultant vectors in those directions.