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

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The discussion focuses on calculating the z component of a 200kN force, with participants sharing methods for determining the x, y, and z components. The x component, Fx, is calculated using the cosine of an angle, while the y component, Fy, uses the sine of a different angle. Participants clarify that the projection of the force on the x-z plane can be used to find the z component by splitting it into its respective components. One user successfully finds the z component as 86.6 N, confirming their calculations with the help of others. The thread concludes with a user expressing gratitude for the assistance received in solving the problem.
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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.

Fx = 200cos 41.4 = 150 N
Fy = 200sin 30 = 100 N
Fz = ?

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..
 
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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.
 
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?
 
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)...
 
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!
 
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