Resolving Forces: Solving for Unknowns in Mechanics Problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around resolving forces in mechanics problems, specifically focusing on questions related to normal contact forces and vector resolution. Participants express varying levels of confusion regarding the initial steps needed to approach the problems presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants inquire about the direction of the normal reaction force and how to resolve weight vectors to balance forces. There are requests for diagrams and clarity on the problem setup. Some suggest using trigonometry to find angles and resolve vectors, while others express uncertainty about the methods being discussed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem without providing direct solutions. There is an emphasis on the need for the original poster to show their work for more effective assistance. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of diagrams and clear problem statements, suggesting that the lack of these may hinder the ability to provide help. There is also a mention of homework rules that restrict providing complete solutions.

studentxlol
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Homework Statement



fIfVQ.jpg



I'm struggling with question 6 and 7 on this exercise. I have no idea where to start so basic help would be needed to get me started.

Thanks!
 
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In what direction would the normal reaction force by the planes act?
Can you resolve the weight vector to make sure that it balances the normal reaction vector?
 
need diagrams and need you to show your work before we can help.
 
I don't see any reason not to type up that question, other than if you were including a diagram which you didn't anyway. If you're going to ask people for help you could at least make it as easy to help as possible instead of making us all crane our necks with a sideways photograph...
 
jedishrfu said:
need diagrams and need you to show your work before we can help.

Here's a better pic.

n5YC1.jpg


For question 6, I need to go about finding the normal contact forces P and Q. How do I do that with the info I know?
 
Try finding the angles between the vectors, then resolve the "2g" vector using trigonometry in such a way that the vectors balance each other out.
 
AlchemistK said:
Try finding the angles between the vectors, then resolve the "2g" vector using trigonometry in such a way that the vectors balance each other out.

No idea how to do that,
 
well what is the angle of P relative to the horizontal? 40 degrees plus 90 degrees right?
 
jedishrfu said:
well what is the angle of P relative to the horizontal? 40 degrees plus 90 degrees right?

No good. I need full method.
 
  • #10
studentxlol said:
No good. I need full method.

sorry we can't give you the answer you have to work it out for yourself. you can show us the work and we'll tell you where you went wrong.
 
  • #11
jedishrfu said:
sorry we can't give you the answer you have to work it out for yourself. you can show us the work and we'll tell you where you went wrong.

resolve horizontally, to get an equation for P in terms of Q, let it be (1).

Now resolve vertically, to get another equation in terms of P and Q. Now substitute (1) in this equation to find Q.

So have now got Q, with this i can easily find P by substituting the value of Q in any of the equation.

And as i said before, i don't know if it is the right way, because i haven't came across such a question before.
 

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