Question

Solve the problem.

Two forces of 575 newtons and 271 newtons act at a point. The resultant force is 657 newtons. Find the angle between the forces.

Answer 1

The resultant force is

→F=321.9N at−165.4°

The equilibrant is

→Feq=321.9N at14.6°

Step-by-step explanation:

This problem requires that we resolve the force vectors into x- and y-components.

Once this is done, we can add the components easily, as the one 2-dimensional problem will be two 1-dimensional problems.

Finally, we will convert the resultant force into standard form and find the equilibrant.

Resolve into components:

F1x=F1cos180°=215(−1)=−215N

F1y=F1sin180°=0N

F2x=F2cos(−140°)=126(−0.766)=−96.5N

F1y=F1sin(−140°)=126(−0.643)=−81.0N

Note the change of the angle used to give the direction of F2. Standard angles (rotation from the x-axis; counterclockwise is +) should be used to avoid sign errors in the results.

Now, we add the components:

Fx=F1x+F2x=−311.5N

Fy=F1y+F2y=−81.0N

Technically, this is the resultant force. However, it should be changed back into standard form. Here's how:

F=√(