Math Problem Statement

Problem Solving (16 pts) Directions: Read and answer the problem.

  1. Two forces of magnitude 4.0 N and 6.0 N act on a single point. The forces make an angle of 60° with each other. Determine the resultant force using scale diagram. Give the given (1pt), draw the graph (1pt), and resultant/final answer (1pt). Scale: 10 mm = 1.0 N a. Parallelogram Method

Solution

Given:

  • Force 1: F1=4.0NF_1 = 4.0 \, \text{N}
  • Force 2: F2=6.0NF_2 = 6.0 \, \text{N}
  • Angle between the forces: θ=60\theta = 60^\circ
  • Scale: 10mm=1.0N10 \, \text{mm} = 1.0 \, \text{N}

Parallelogram Method:

  1. Graphical Construction:

    • Start by drawing a vector to represent F1=4.0NF_1 = 4.0 \, \text{N}. Since 10mm=1.0N10 \, \text{mm} = 1.0 \, \text{N}, F1F_1 should be drawn as a 40 mm line.
    • Draw F2=6.0NF_2 = 6.0 \, \text{N} starting from the same point, making a 6060^\circ angle with F1F_1. F2F_2 should be drawn as a 60 mm line.
  2. Complete the Parallelogram:

    • To use the parallelogram method, replicate F1F_1 and F2F_2 by drawing the same vectors starting from the heads of F2F_2 and F1F_1 respectively.
    • Draw the parallelogram by connecting the heads of these vectors.
  3. Resultant Force:

    • The resultant force is the diagonal of the parallelogram that starts from the common origin of the two forces.
    • Measure the length of this diagonal and convert it back to Newtons using the given scale.

Final Answer (Using Calculation):

To complement the graphical method, you can use the law of cosines to calculate the magnitude of the resultant force RR:

R=F12+F22+2F1F2cos(60)R = \sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2 + 2 \cdot F_1 \cdot F_2 \cdot \cos(60^\circ)}

R=4.02+6.02+24.06.00.5R = \sqrt{4.0^2 + 6.0^2 + 2 \cdot 4.0 \cdot 6.0 \cdot 0.5}

R=16+36+24=768.72NR = \sqrt{16 + 36 + 24} = \sqrt{76} \approx 8.72 \, \text{N}

Result:

The magnitude of the resultant force RR is approximately 8.72 N.

Would you like to see the details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How would the resultant force change if the angle between the forces was 90°?
  2. What is the significance of the angle between the forces in determining the resultant?
  3. How can the parallelogram method be used for forces not in the plane?
  4. Can the resultant force be smaller than either of the individual forces?
  5. What if the two forces were acting in exactly opposite directions?

Tip:

The graphical method provides a visual intuition, but it's always good to verify your results using vector calculations for accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Force Resolution
Parallelogram Law of Forces

Formulas

Law of Cosines

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School