Calculating Resultant Force Magnitude and Direction Angle

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnitude and direction of the resultant force from two given forces, F1 and F2, with specified magnitudes and angles. The forces are expressed in terms of their components in a two-dimensional plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the resultant force's magnitude and direction using trigonometric relationships and the law of cosines. Some participants suggest breaking down the forces into their x and y components to facilitate the calculation of the resultant. There is a question about how to determine the resultant angle after calculating an intermediate angle.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various approaches to resolving the problem, with participants providing insights on component breakdown and trigonometric functions. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's calculations, and some guidance has been offered regarding the use of components and trigonometric identities. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem as posed, with specific angles and magnitudes provided. There is an indication of potential confusion regarding the resultant angle calculation, which remains unaddressed.

freespirit
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My problem is to determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force FR=F1+F2 and it's direction, measured counterclockwise from the positive x direction.

f1=250 lb @ 60 degrees from x
f2= 375 lb @ -45 degrees from x

Ok I got the magnitude by doing this:
(360-2(255))/2=-75 degrees

fr=sqroot of (250^2+375^2-2(250)(375)cos(75)
fr=393.188~ 393

then I got the angle by this:
375/sin x = 393.188/sin 75
x=67.1088
how do i get the resultant angle, what do I need to add to the 67 degrees?
 
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breakdown x and y components of each by the following

X= r cos(angle)
Y= r sin(angle)

Add the two x and y compents to get the x and y of the resultant. Use the pathagorean theroum to get the resultant magnitude and use tan^(-1) (y/x) to get resultant directions.

nautica
 
Preview Rough fig in attachment so

[tex]tan{\alpha} = \frac{ysin{\theta}}{x+ycos{\theta}}[/tex]

[tex]tan{\alpha} = \frac{ysin{\theta}}{x+ycos{\theta}}[/tex]
 

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Thank You

Thank you both for your help.
 

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