Question

If a horizontal component of force `F_x=25.0` `N` and a vertical component of force `F_y = 15.0` `N`, what is the resultant force?

Answer 1

`29.15 N`

Explanation:

Forces add like vectors. Since the angle between these two forces is 90º we can simply use the pythagorean theorem and think of them as two sides of a right triangle.

`F_("net") = sqrt(F_x^2 + F_y^2)`

`F_("net") = sqrt(25^2 + 15^2)`

`F_("net") = sqrt(625 + 225)`

`F_("net") = sqrt(850)`

`F_("net") = 29.15 N`