Calculating Resultant Force Magnitude and Direction Angle

AI Thread Summary
To determine the resultant force FR from two forces F1 and F2, the magnitude is calculated using the formula FR = sqrt(F1^2 + F2^2 - 2*F1*F2*cos(θ)), resulting in approximately 393 lb. The angle is derived from the sine law, where 375/sin(x) = 393.188/sin(75), yielding an angle of approximately 67.11 degrees. To find the resultant angle, the x and y components of each force must be broken down using X = r*cos(angle) and Y = r*sin(angle). Summing these components gives the resultant's x and y values, allowing the use of the Pythagorean theorem for magnitude and arctan for direction. This method effectively combines the forces to find the resultant force's magnitude and angle.
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

tan{\alpha} = \frac{ysin{\theta}}{x+ycos{\theta}}

tan{\alpha} = \frac{ysin{\theta}}{x+ycos{\theta}}
 

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Thank You

Thank you both for your help.
 
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