Calculating the Z Component of a Force: Solving for the Unknown Vector Component

[Brophi]

What are the components of the 200kN force along, the x, y and z directions?
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1358/72180912.jpg

So, I can find the x and y components, but I don't know how to find the z component, I have been researching on the internet, my textbook (Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics) and in my lecture notes, but I just can't find how to find the z component.

F_x = 200cos 41.4 = 150 N
F_y = 200sin 30 = 100 N
F_z = ?

Please HELP!

P.S. Sorry if the post isn't in the right format, but I need the answer soon and I only just registered..

 

[ideasrule]

How did you get Fx=200*cos(41.4)? That's the right answer, but it's not how I would have done the question.

The projection of the force on the x-z plane is F*cos(30), correct? Now you can split this force, F*cos(30), into its x and z components just like you do with any vector in 2 dimensions.

 

[rl.bhat]

Hi Brophi, welcome to PF.
F*cos(30) is the projection of F on the xz plane.
From that you can find z component.
Can you show your calculation for Fx ? from where did you get 41.4 degree angle?

 

[Brophi]

This stuff is all very new and confusing to me but I think I got the the right answer for Fz = 100cos30 = 86.6 and I'm really not sure how I got to this or 41.4 for Fx... Could someone explain it maybe? sorry for the inconvenience, its just kinda frustrating that I can't figure this out (been trying for a ffew hours straight)...

 

[Brophi]

I found it! This forum rules...

found the answer at https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1439702&postcount=2

Fx = 200 sin 60 cos 30
Fy = 200 sin 30
Fz = 200 sin 60 sin 30

Thanks for the help!