Final answer:
The x-component of a 20N force pulled at a 30-degree angle to the ground is approximately 17.32N, calculated using the cosine of the angle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked to determine the x-component of a force where a rope is being pulled with 20N at a 30-degree angle to the ground. To find the x-component of the force, we use the cosine function since the x-component is adjacent to the angle of force. The formula we use is: Fx = F * cos(θ), where F is the force and θ is the angle. Plugging in the values, we get Fx = 20N * cos(30°). Calculating this gives Fx = 20N * (√3 / 2) or Fx ≈ 17.32N. Therefore, the correct answer is B. 17.32N.