Component method vector problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using the component method to calculate the resultant of three forces, resulting in a magnitude of 527N and an angle of 20.1 degrees. The calculations for the components Ax, Ay, Bx, By, Cx, and Cy are confirmed, with a correction noted regarding the tangent values used for angle calculation. It is emphasized that the angle's reference direction must be specified to avoid ambiguity in interpretation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components and their calculations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Knowledge of resultant vector calculations
  • Ability to interpret angles in relation to coordinate axes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the component method for vector addition in physics
  • Learn about resolving forces into components using trigonometric identities
  • Explore how to specify angles in vector analysis accurately
  • Review examples of resultant force calculations in two-dimensional systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, engineers working with force analysis, and anyone involved in mechanics or vector resolution will benefit from this discussion.

ur5pointos2sl
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Use the component method to find the resultant(direction and magnitude) of the three forces shown.

Could someone please verify my answers or tell me where I went wrong.

Ax = 500 Cos 30 = -433N
Ay = 500 Sin 30 = -250N
Bx=-250 N
By= 0
Cx=200 Cos 20 = 187.9N
Cy= 200 Sin 20 = 68.4N

R = (-433-250+187.9)I + (-250 + 0 + 68.4)j
= (-495.1, -181.6)
R = sqrt(-495.1^2 + -181.6^2)
= 527N

Tan Theta = 318.4 / 370.9
Theta = 20.1 deg.
 

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ur5pointos2sl said:
Use the component method to find the resultant(direction and magnitude) of the three forces shown.

Could someone please verify my answers or tell me where I went wrong.

Ax = 500 Cos 30 = -433N
Ay = 500 Sin 30 = -250N
Bx=-250 N
By= 0
Cx=200 Cos 20 = 187.9N
Cy= 200 Sin 20 = 68.4N

R = (-433-250+187.9)I + (-250 + 0 + 68.4)j
= (-495.1, -181.6)
R = sqrt(-495.1^2 + -181.6^2)
= 527N
That seems right.

Tan Theta = 318.4 / 370.9
Theta = 20.1 deg.
Looks like the "318" and "370" are typos, and that you actually (and correctly) used 181.6/495.1 instead.

You'll also need to specify which half-axis that angle is measured from (+x, +y, -x, or -y), and whether the angle is above/below/right/left of that half-axis.

If you don't specify that, people normally assume it's from the +x axis, in the counterclockwise direction.
 

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