Final answer:
The x-component of the vector a = 12 N at 60° is calculated using the cosine function, yielding a result of 6 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the x-component of the vector a = 12 N at 60°, we use the cosine function as the x-component is adjacent to the angle in the right triangle formed by the vector and its components. The formula to find the x-component (Ax) is:
Ax = A * cos(θ)
Substitute A = 12 N and θ = 60° into the formula:
Ax = 12 * cos(60°)
Since cos(60°) = 0.5, the calculation will be:
Ax = 12 * 0.5
Ax = 6
Therefore, the x-component of the vector is 6 N. This process, based on trigonometric principles, isolates and calculates the vector's horizontal influence.