Question

This is a depiction of 2 forces acting on a puck (top view). Which direction would a 3rd force have to be to balance the forces?

Answer 1

To balance the first two forces, the 3rd force would have to be equal in magnitude to the sum of the first two forces, and opposite in direction. The first two forces have a sum which is mostly to the right and somewhat up, so the 3rd force will have to point 180 degrees away from that. You could also construct the 3rd force by drawing two forces opposing the first two forces, and then take their vector sum to be the 3rd force.

Answer 2

@whpalmer4 so it'd look like this ?

Answer 3

so would my calculations be correct our answers look almost identical

Answer 4

Well, if your drawing is accurately made and shows the opposing force having equal but opposite components to the first two forces, then it will be correct.