Find Perpendicular Forces Given 20 N at 60 Degrees

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to find two perpendicular forces given a force of 20 N at an angle of 60 degrees to the horizontal. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and vector resolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find two perpendicular forces from a given force of 20 N at 60 degrees.
  • Another participant questions what the perpendicular forces should be perpendicular to, emphasizing the need for specified directions.
  • A third participant notes that the question may relate to a calculus assignment but asserts that the question itself is not calculus-related.
  • Another participant suggests that a vector can be resolved into two perpendicular components, indicating that these components can point in any direction and asks if the desired components are horizontal and vertical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specifics of the perpendicular forces or their directions, indicating that multiple views remain on how to approach the problem.

Tori Hamilton
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I have a question. If you're given a force of 20 N and its 60 degrees to the horizontal, how could you find two perpendicular forces?
 
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Perpendicular to what? Perpendicular simply means at right angles, so you need to specify the directions.
 
Thread moved to General Math section. The question may be part of a calculus assignment, but the question itself has nothing to do with calculus.
 
You can resolve a vector into two perpendicular components but they can point in any direction. Do you want one horizontal and one vertical?
 

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