Final answer:
To find the resultant force when two forces of 6 lbs and 8 lbs act at a 60° angle, we use the law of cosines. The magnitude of the resultant force is √(36 + 64 + 96), which simplifies to 14 lbs.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the magnitude of the resultant force when two forces of 6 lbs and 8 lbs act on an object at a 60° angle, we can use the law of cosines. The formula to calculate the magnitude of the resultant force R is:
R = √(F1² + F2² + 2 · F1 · F2 · cos(θ))
Where:
- F1 = 6 lbs
- F2 = 8 lbs
- θ = 60°
Substituting the given values into the formula:
R = √(6² + 8² + 2 · 6 · 8 · cos(60°))
This simplifies to:
R = √(36 + 64 + 96)
R = √(196)
The magnitude of the resultant force is √(196), which equals 14 lbs.