3 forces act in equilibrium, calculate their angles

1. Sep 28, 2011

alanm

I have 3 forces, I assume that the resultant is equilibrium, that is just a guess.

a - 12N
b - 5N
c - 13N

how do i calculate the angles between the forces.

I think I have to use the cosine rule but am not realy sure. I have a book Physics made Simple but it doesn't really help

Alan

2. Sep 28, 2011

grzz

If the forces are in equilibrium, then the resultant is 0. And this is the correct conlusion and not a guess.Right?

3. Sep 28, 2011

alanm

hi,
the bits I need are the angles between each set of forces. I am just not clear on how to do this.

alan

4. Sep 28, 2011

gash789

Hi Alan,

If the result is not equilibrium then this problem is currently unsolvable, so assume it is. This is evident by the fact you have 3 unknown variables, the angle between each force, and you require at least 3 equations to solve this.

The first two equations you may construct by drawing the problem as a scalene triangle with 3 unknowns, then setting one of the forces along the x axis (you could equally use the y axis). Then resolve the forces along the x and y axis giving the first 2 equations:

note: you will need to define a direction for each force. I have assumed directions, did they give you this information?

Along x: 1) ...

Along y: 2) ...

You can then use the cosine rule, and or a+b+c=180 (if a,b,c are the 3 angles). Let me know how you get on

5. Sep 28, 2011

Staff: Mentor

There are several ways to approach the problem. One is to construct a set of simultaneous equations involving the vector components and solve for them, then determine the angles from there. A simple approach is to put the longest vector on the minus x-axis (so it has no y-components, just an x-component), then find the orientation of the two other vectors that have zero sum y components and x-components that cancel the first vector. Four equations in four unknowns.

Another approach is to use, as you've surmised, the cosine rule. A triangle constructed from sides whose lengths are the vector lengths will have angles that are related to (but not the same as!) those between the vectors. Subtract the angles you find from pi to determine the inter-vector angles. (If you're interested, it has to do with the exterior angles of the triangle and their relationships to the vector angles). This is a pretty good approach!

6. Sep 28, 2011

alanm

thanks, I came up with the cosine rule but struggled to get there.

alan