Question

Two forces, F1 and F2, act at a point. F1 has a magnitude of 8.60 N and is directed at an angle of 55.0 ∘ above the negative x axis in the second quadrant. F2 has a magnitude of 7.00 N and is directed at an angle of 53.2 ∘ below the negative x axis in the third quadrant. What is the x component Fx of the resultant force?

Answer 1

To find the x-component of the resultant force, determine the x-components of the individual forces using their magnitudes and angles, then add them together.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the x-component of the resultant force, we need to determine the x-components of the individual forces. For force F1, the x-component, F1x, can be found using the magnitude of F1 and the angle it makes with the negative x-axis:

F1x = F1 * cos(angle)

Similarly, for force F2, the x-component, F2x, can be found using the magnitude of F2 and the angle it makes with the negative x-axis:

F2x = F2 * cos(angle)

Finally, the x-component of the resultant force, Fx, can be found by adding the x-components of F1 and F2:

Fx = F1x + F2x