Add forces as vectors. The net force determines acceleration via F = ma.
Try this
6
a = F / m (mass = 2 kg) = 3
Net force from components
Add the x-components, add the y-components, then combine. Direction: θ = arctan(ΣFy / ΣFx).
Your turn
Forces of 8 N right and 6 N up act on a 5 kg block. What is the magnitude of its acceleration?
Watch out
Don't just add force *numbers* — forces are vectors. 5 N right and 5 N left give 0 N, not 10 N. Only forces along the same line add arithmetically.
Try it
5 N right, 3 N left on a 2 kg object
Net = 2 N right. a = 2/2 = 1 m/s² to the right.