Understanding the Problem
* We have two forces acting at right angles to each other (one vertical, one horizontal).
* We need to find the overall force, which is the "resultant" force.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem
The resultant force is the diagonal of a right triangle where:
* The vertical force (4 N) is one side.
* The horizontal force (3 N) is the other side.
* The resultant force is the hypotenuse.
The Pythagorean theorem states: a² + b² = c²
* a = 3 N (horizontal force)
* b = 4 N (vertical force)
* c = Resultant force
Calculation
1. 3² + 4² = c²
2. 9 + 16 = c²
3. 25 = c²
4. c = √25 = 5 N
Answer
The magnitude of the resultant force is 5 N.
