Force Components: Horizontal & Vertical Effects

In summary, the speaker is asking for an explanation or hint regarding the vertical component of force when dealing with containers with inward and outward sloping walls. The response explains that the resultant force depends on the system boundary and the coordinate system specified, and provides a solution for calculating the vertical force component using basic trigonometry.
  • #1
alcatras
3
0
Hi. I'm a newb here. I've got a problem about components of force. Water applies force to the walls of container as it does to the bottom. It has only horizontal compenent when the container is straight (walls parallel) but what about in containers with inward and outward sloping walls? In which one vertical component points down? Can anyone explain or give a hint plese?
:smile: :smile: :smile:
Thanks
 
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  • #2
You are not clear what your problem is.
The resultant force depends on what your system boundary is. If you take the whole container wall (bottom and sides) there will be a vertical component pointing downward of the same value, whether they are vertical or sloping.
If you take just the side walls of the container, then there will be a vertical force component pointing downward.
 
  • #3
The liquid is going to exert a pressure that is normal to the sloped surface. If you coordinate system does not correspond to that slope, you will have to break that force into it's components using basic trig. Everything will be relative to the coordinate system you specify.
 

Related to Force Components: Horizontal & Vertical Effects

1. What is a force component?

A force component refers to the individual vector components of a force acting on an object. These components can be broken down into horizontal and vertical effects.

2. How are horizontal and vertical components of a force calculated?

The horizontal and vertical components of a force can be calculated using trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine. The horizontal component is equal to the force magnitude multiplied by the cosine of the angle between the force vector and the horizontal axis. The vertical component is equal to the force magnitude multiplied by the sine of the angle.

3. What is the importance of understanding force components?

Understanding force components is crucial in analyzing the motion and equilibrium of objects. By breaking down a force into its horizontal and vertical components, we can determine the direction and magnitude of the force acting on an object and how it affects its motion.

4. Can a force have only a horizontal or vertical component?

Yes, a force can have only a horizontal or vertical component. This occurs when the angle between the force vector and the respective axis is 0 or 90 degrees, resulting in a horizontal or vertical component of the force equal to the force magnitude.

5. How do force components affect the stability of structures?

Force components play a crucial role in determining the stability of structures. If the horizontal and vertical components of a force acting on a structure are balanced, the structure will be in equilibrium and will not move. However, if the force components are unbalanced, the structure may experience tipping or collapse.

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