What Is the Net Force Using Parallelogram Method?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net force acting on an object with three forces: 20.0 dynes E15°, 30.0 dynes W15°, and 40.0 dynes S15°W. Participants are exploring the use of the parallelogram method and the law of cosines to find the resultant force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the parallelogram method and the law of cosines, with some expressing confusion about the angles and vector orientations. Questions arise regarding the clarity of the vector representations and the assumptions made in the problem setup.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, with some participants suggesting alternative strategies for finding the net force. Multiple interpretations of the problem and its diagram are being considered, indicating a lack of consensus on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the problem statement may not align with the textbook's diagram or answer, leading to further confusion. There is also mention of the difficulty in visualizing the vectors and their components.

  • #31
Adjoint said:
Here, we have to find OD from triangle ODE. But for applying cosine rule to ODE we should find the (green) angle ∠DEO, right?
So find ∠DOE

I am really sorry. I made a typing mistake the second time. It should be ∠DEO both times.

Now this is getting a bit too long discussion. And everyone can see that you have tried for long and you seem to know all relevant equations but maybe just getting lost in the details. So I hope forum Moderators won't mind if I do a little rescue mission:

In ΔOAC the \angleCAO = 30 degree
Using the rule of sines in this tringle,
\frac{OC}{sin30} = \frac{AC}{sinAOC}
→ \frac{16.1}{sin30} = \frac{20}{sinAOC}
→ \angleAOC = 38.4 degree
Now ∠EOC = ∠AOC + 90
→ ∠EOC = 128.4 degree
So from parallelogram EOCD, ∠DEO = 180 - ∠EOC = 180 - 128.4 = 51.6 degree (that's the green angle)

Now we can apply the law of cosines in ΔDEO to get,
OD = (ED2 + OE2 - 2.OE.ED.cos(51.6))1/2
Finally, OD = 32.5

Next, to calculate direction, take ΔDEO and apply law of sines.
OD/sin∠51.5 = DE/sin∠DOE
→ 32.5/sin51.6 = 16.1/sin∠DOE
→ ∠DOE = 23

Now it can be easily seen that OD is (90-23-15) = 52 degree South of West.
 
Last edited:

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