Math Problem Statement
A force of magnitude FN acts in a horizontal plane and has components 27.5 N and -24 N in the x-direction and the y-direction respectively. The force acts at an angle of a below the x-axis.
(i) Find the values of F and a.
A second force, of magnitude 87.6 N, acts in the same plane at 90° anticlockwise from the force of magnitude FN. The resultant of the two forces has magnitude RN and makes an angle of 0° with the positive x-axis.
(ii) Find the values of R and 0.
Solution
Let's break this problem down step by step to find the required values.
Part (i): Finding the Magnitude and Angle
We are given that the force has components:
- (in the x-direction)
- (in the y-direction, indicating it acts below the x-axis)
Magnitude of :
The magnitude of the force can be found using the Pythagorean theorem:
Substituting the values:
Angle below the x-axis:
The angle can be calculated using the tangent function:
Since is negative, the angle is below the x-axis.
Part (ii): Finding the Magnitude and Angle
A second force of magnitude acts at anticlockwise from the first force .
Given that has components:
Rotating this force by anticlockwise results in:
Now, this second force has a magnitude of and is perpendicular to , so its components in the rotated frame are:
This suggests a perpendicular adjustment error—recorrecting to the given magnitudes:
The new components would be:
- (for proper sum directions)
Resultant Force :
The x and y components of the resultant force are:
The magnitude of is:
Angle with the x-axis:
The resultant makes an angle given by:
Given that this is extremely close to , we approximate the angle as .
Summary of Results:
- below the x-axis
Do you want further clarifications on any step or have more questions?
Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:
- How would the resultant force change if the second force acted at instead of ?
- What would happen to the resultant angle if the first force were stronger?
- How would the calculations change if the forces acted in three dimensions?
- How can these principles be applied to analyzing forces in structures?
- What tools can be used to visualize these forces and their resultant graphically?
Tip: Always keep in mind the direction of force components when determining the angle to ensure accurate interpretation.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vectors
Trigonometry
Resultant Forces
Formulas
Pythagorean theorem
Vector addition
Angle calculations using trigonometry
Theorems
-
Suitable Grade Level
High School
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