Question

Two forces act at right angles at a point on a body. One of the forces is 120 lb. and the other is 160 lb. Find the magnitude of the resultant of the two forces.

Answer 1

Answer: The resultant force is equal to 200 lb.

Answer 2

Hello!

The answer is: The resultant force is equal to 200 lb.

Why?

From the statement, we know that both forces are acting at right angles, meaning that there is a vertical force and a horizontal force.

We can solve this problem using the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that:

`c^(2)=a^(2)+b^(2)`

Let be:

a, the horizontal force (x)

b, the vertical force (y)

c, the resultant force (r)

So, assuming that:

`x=120lb\\y=160lb`

Calculating the resultant force, we have:

`r^(2)=x^(2)+y^(2)=(120lb)^(2)+(160lb)^(2)\\\\r^(2)=(120lb)^(2)+(160lb)^(2)=14400lb^(2)  +25600lb^(2) =40000lb^(2)\\\\r^(2)=40000lb^(2) \\\\r=\sqrt{40000lb^(2) }=200lb`

Hence, the resultant force is equal to 200 lb.

Have a nice day!