Final answer:
The angle of the total force acting on an object is determined using vector components and trigonometry, considering the standard convention of positive angles in the counterclockwise direction. Forces at different angles such as 58° above the negative x-axis must be calculated accordingly, employing trigonometric identities where needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the angle at which the total force is acting on an object, we often have to consider components of forces acting in the x and y directions. According to the problem, angles are defined as positive in the counterclockwise direction, which is the standard convention in physics. The force that is in the negative y-direction is relevant when calculating forces involving magnetism and electric charges.
When calculating the resultant force direction, we can use the vector components of the forces involved. If a force is at an angle 58° above the negative x-axis, that means it is in the second quadrant of a Cartesian plane. The resultant force direction for a force in the positive x-direction can be simply to the right if it has no y-component.
To calculate the magnitude of forces, we often use trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem, taking into account the individual components or tensions as shown by Fapp = 2 T sinθ. When forces are at right angles or 45°, trigonometric functions like sine and cosine are particularly useful for determining the magnitude and direction.