A scientist is pushing a particle due north at 0.26 N, but a magnetic field is also pushing the particle at 0.08 N at 322 degrees. To ensure the particle travels north, the scientist must counteract the magnetic force. The solution is to find the x and y components of each force vector, and calculate the additional force needed in the y-direction to balance the forces and send the particle directly north.

1. Durga Kullakanda & Jared Dachroeden
Vectors Project

2. The Problem
A scientist pushes a particle
due north at 0.26 N, like she
wanted, but a magnetic field
in the chamber pushes the
particle 0.08 N at 322°. The
particle is not travelling
north now. How much force
must the scientist apply to
the particle to make sure the
particle is heading north?

8. The solution to the problem

9. The Solution
Find the x and y change of the vector of the
scientist’s push.
The particle goes up 0.26 N, and there is
no x movement, so it is:
<0, 0.26>.

10. The Solution

11. The Solution

12. The Solution

13. The Solution