Vector Problem Homework: Finding Components and Resultant of Three Forces

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing three forces, each with a magnitude of 5.00 N, acting on a particle. The forces are described in terms of their directions: one force is aligned with the x-axis, while the other two are at angles relative to the y-axis. The task is to determine the components of each force and calculate the resultant force's components, magnitude, and direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the components of the forces using trigonometric functions and expresses uncertainty about the resultant force's components and magnitude. Some participants question the correctness of the calculations and the implications of obtaining a zero resultant.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to verify the calculations of the force components and the resultant. Some participants acknowledge the calculations as correct, while others express confusion about the significance of a zero resultant.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for discussion. The original poster's calculations and assumptions are being scrutinized for accuracy.

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Homework Statement


There are three forces, each of magnitude 5.00 N applied to a particle at O in the directions shown in Fig. 1. List the components of the individual forces F1, F2, and F3. Obtain the x and y components of the resultant of the three forces, R = F1 + F2 + F3 and the magnitude of R and its direction by giving the angle to one of the axes.

F1 vector is right on the x-axis and its direction is east.
F2 vector is 30 degrees from +y. It is between north and west.
F3 vector is 30 degrees from -y. It is between south and west.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


For the F3 vector, I did sine 30 = x/5 and I got 2.5. Then I used cosine and I got 4.33 for the other side. I did the same process for the F2 vector.

So my components were:
F3 (-2.5, -4.33)
F2 (-2.5, 4.33)
F1 (5, 0)

I add the component up to get R and I get 0 for the components and for the vector of R. Did I do something wrong? Or is this correct?
 
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Help anyone?
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi Amuro! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Amuro said:
I add the component up to get R and I get 0 for the components and for the vector of R. Did I do something wrong? Or is this correct?

No, that looks correct … the magnitude is 0, and the angle is irrelevant. :wink:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi Amuro! Welcome to PF! :smile:


No, that looks correct … the magnitude is 0, and the angle is irrelevant. :wink:

Thank you.
 

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