Question

If a force vector has a magnitude of 4.21 newtons and points 73.6 degrees south of east, then what is its y-component? Fy = Entry field with incorrect answer 1.188 newtons

Answer 1

The y-component of the force is 4.04 N due south.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hi there!

If we consider the north direction as the positive y-direction and the east direction as the positive x-direction, then the force vector could be expressed graphically as shown in the attached figure.

By trigonometry of right triangles, we can obtain the magnitude of the y-component of the vector F.

sin (α) = opposite side / hypotenuse

sin (73.6°) = Fy / F (where Fy is the y-component of the vector F, see figure)

F · sin (73.6°) = Fy

4.21 N · sin(73.6°) = Fy

Fy = 4.04 N

The y-component of the force is 4.04 N due south.