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End of chapter exercises

Textbook Exercise 1.7

Draw the following forces as vectors on the Cartesian plane originating at the origin:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{3,7}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{4,9}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\).

eb69c6d1044509b26f453b96e999893e.png

Draw the following forces as vectors on the Cartesian plane:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{4,3}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{1,7}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{8,3}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\).

cd819ac564d961badebc176d6f13c939.png

Find the resultant in the \(x\)-direction, \(R_x\), and \(y\)-direction, \(R_y\) for the following forces:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{1,5}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{1,5}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{2}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\): \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\) and for our diagram we will define the positive direction as to the right.

We note that there are no vectors in the \(y\)-direction and so \(R_{y} = 0\).

We now find \(\vec{R}_{x}\):

edf84be5cc742bd52863f76708c39ed7.png

We have now drawn all the force vectors that act in the \(x\)-direction. To find \(\vec{R}_{x}\) we note that the resultant vector is the arrow which starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of the last drawn vector in that direction.

1d058da50c256c48b5b9f72e961a8f9e.png

We note that \(\vec{R}_{x}\) is \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\) or \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction.

\(\vec{R}_{x}\) = \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) and points in the positive \(x\)-direction. \(\vec{R}_{y}\) = \(\text{0}\) \(\text{N}\).

Find the resultant in the \(x\)-direction, \(R_x\), and \(y\)-direction, \(R_y\) for the following forces:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{4,8}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{3,2}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{1,9}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{2,1}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\): \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\) and for our diagram we will define the positive direction as to the right.

We find \(\vec{R}_{x}\):

ae4dadcaaa3514a21f9968cadf2e69bf.png

We have now drawn all the force vectors that act in the \(x\)-direction. To find \(\vec{R}_{x}\) we note that the resultant vector is the arrow which starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of the last drawn vector in that direction.

2cc10261c93a8a64ac2502bbea0094ac.png

We note that \(\vec{R}_{x}\) is \(\text{1,6}\) \(\text{cm}\) or \(\text{1,6}\) \(\text{N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction.

We now find \(\vec{R}_{y}\):

c5ef33db83de43fe111a02821b99ebea.png

We have now drawn all the force vectors that act in the \(x\)-direction. To find \(\vec{R}_{x}\) we note that the resultant vector is the arrow which starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of the last drawn vector in that direction.

cd66527595f2c9bfcb34f44933dd8113.png

We note that \(\vec{R}_{y}\) is \(\text{0,2}\) \(\text{cm}\) or \(\text{0,2}\) \(\text{N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction.

\(\vec{R}_{x}\) = \(\text{1,6}\) \(\text{N}\) and points in the positive \(x\)-direction. \(\vec{R}_{y}\) = \(\text{0,2}\) \(\text{N}\) and points in the negative \(y\)-direction.

Find the resultant in the \(x\)-direction, \(R_x\), and \(y\)-direction, \(R_y\) for the following forces:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{2,7}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{1,4}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{2,7}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{1,7}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\) and for our diagram we will define the positive direction as to the right.

We find \(\vec{R}_{x}\):

c6fb60987c0dd57a00cbbbe2358de064.png

We have now drawn all the force vectors that act in the \(x\)-direction. To find \(\vec{R}_{x}\) we note that the resultant vector is the arrow which starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of the last drawn vector in that direction.

f3775056e7b2e792ab0c0aadfb629e43.png

We note that \(\vec{R}_{x}\) is \(\text{1,4}\) \(\text{cm}\) or \(\text{1,4}\) \(\text{N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction.

There is only one vector in the \(y\)-direction and so this is \(\vec{R}_{y}\).

\(\vec{R}_{x}\) = \(\text{1,4}\) \(\text{N}\) and points in the positive \(x\)-direction. \(\vec{R}_{y}\) = \(\text{1,7}\) \(\text{N}\) and points in the negative \(y\)-direction.

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-head method:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{4,8}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{3,3}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We first sketch the vectors on the Cartesian plane. We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\). Remember to sketch \(F_{2}\) starting at the head of \(F_{1}\).

bc722c892941d7eec249050cdde34b89.png

The resultant, \(\vec{R}\), is the vector connecting the tail of the first vector drawn to the head of the last vector drawn:

6f4df8773933cc5db1a6ca58d7631c09.png

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-head method:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{0,7}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{6}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{3,8}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{11,9}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We first sketch the vectors on the Cartesian plane. We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\). Remember to sketch \(F_{2}\) starting at the head of \(F_{1}\).

a8a67bccc556e03ade44af3b3d88d206.png

The resultant, \(\vec{R}\), is the vector connecting the tail of the first vector drawn to the head of the last vector drawn:

0a64000348d3e9305a5b8b2b67eaeb2c.png

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-head method by first determining the resultant in the \(x\)- and \(y\)-directions:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{5,2}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{7,5}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{4,8}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{6,3}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{2}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\).

We first determine \(\vec{R}_{x}\)

Draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(x\)-direction:

aba43d7b890ff5188db3f58223ff503f.png

This is \(\vec{R}_{x}\) since it is the only vector in the \(x\)-direction.

Secondly determine \(\vec{R}_{y}\)

Next we draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(y\)-direction:

272b654603a237a641fbfe5d93cf5dd7.png

Now we draw the resultant vectors, \(\vec{R}_{y}\) and \(\vec{R}_{x}\) head-to-tail:

7d5522ce29507789b91b28548c223b2d.png

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-head method by first determining the resultant in the \(x\)- and \(y\)-directions:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{6,7}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{4,2}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{9,9}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{3,4}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction

We choose a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\).

We first determine \(\vec{R}_{x}\)

Draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(x\)-direction:

0d6fa85aad252230317e93de49c846a5.png

This is \(\vec{R}_{x}\) since it is the only vector in the \(x\)-direction.

Secondly determine \(\vec{R}_{y}\)

Next we draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(y\)-direction:

e9b2e054ad08a4cf3e6f9b4073dd42de.png

Now we draw the resultant vector, \(\vec{R}_{y}\) and \(\vec{R}_{x}\) head-to-tail:

b2eac8c8cf009f453f234924ff3f9a2b.png

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-tail method:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{6,1}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{4,5}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We first draw a Cartesian plane with the two vectors: (we use a scale of \(\text{1}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

c7d04958f5814bc49d72c7a90a4b2591.png

Now we draw a line parallel to \(\vec{F}_{1}\) from the head of \(\vec{F}_{2}\) and we draw a line parallel to \(\vec{F}_{2}\) from the head of \(\vec{F}_{1}\):

8033b0d83f2ad0ee8fd13623a9464415.png

Where the two lines intersect is the head of the resultant vector which will originate at the origin so:

c1d399449c33f366245537ab8f221ed3.png

Sketch the resultant of the following force vectors using the tail-to-tail method by first determining the resultant in the \(x\)- and \(y\)-directions:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1} = \text{2,3}\text{ N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{2} = \text{11,8}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{3} = \text{7,9}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction
  • \(\vec{F}_{4} = \text{3,2}\text{ N}\) in the negative \(x\)-direction

We need to determine \(\vec{R}_{x}\) and \(\vec{R}_{y}\) and then use these to find the resultant.

Determine \(\vec{R}_{x}\). We choose a scale of \(\text{2}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\).

Draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(x\)-direction:

2996efd788e67e2d65dc7256d5b8c668.png

This is \(\vec{R}_{x}\) since it is the only vector in the \(x\)-direction.

Secondly determine \(\vec{R}_{y}\)

Next we draw the Cartesian plane with the vectors in the \(y\)-direction:

ff1bf28095c67e208ab0343f79993512.png

Now we draw the resultant vectors, \(\vec{R}_{y}\) and \(\vec{R}_{x}\) tail-to-tail:

e436b0ce02472d3dffa5cc78bb39accf.png

Now we can draw the lines to show us where the head of the resultant must be:

1e9ed26092615eeb2d7e00e573343f1a.png

And finally we find the resultant:

368e7766a7d3aad3dd17e43469e418be.png

Four forces act simultaneously at a point, find the resultant if the forces are:

  • \(\vec{F}_{1}\) = \(\text{2,3}\) \(\text{N}\) in the positive \(x\)-direction

  • \(\vec{F}_{2}\) = \(\text{4,9}\) \(\text{N}\) in the positive \(y\)-direction

  • \(\vec{F}_{3}\) = \(\text{4,3}\) \(\text{N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction

  • \(\vec{F}_{4}\) = \(\text{3,1}\) \(\text{N}\) in the negative \(y\)-direction

We note that we have more than two vectors so we must first find the resultant in the \(x\)-direction and the resultant in the \(y\)-direction.

In the \(x\)-direction we only have one vector and so this is the resultant.

In the \(y\)-direction we have three vectors. We can add these algebraically to find \(\vec{R}_{y}\):

\begin{align*} \vec{F}_{2} & = \text{+4,9}\text{ N} \\ \vec{F}_{3} & = -\text{4,3}\text{ N} \\ \vec{F}_{4} & = -\text{3,1}\text{ N} \end{align*}

Thus, the resultant force is:

\begin{align*} \vec{F}_{2} + \vec{F}_{3} + \vec{F}_{4} & = (\text{4,9}) + (-\text{4,3}) + (-\text{3,1}) \\ & = -\text{2,3} \end{align*}

Now we use \(\vec{R}_{x}\) and \(\vec{R}_{y}\) to find the resultant.

We note that the triangle formed by \(\vec{R}_{x}\), \(\vec{R}_{y}\) and the resultant vector is a right-angle triangle. We can thus use the Theorem of Pythagoras to determine the length of the resultant. Let \(R\) represent the length of the resultant vector. Then: \begin{align*} F_x^{2} + F_y^{2} &= R^{2}\ \text{Pythagoras' theorem}\\ (\text{2,3})^{2} + (-\text{2,3})^{2} &= R^{2}\\ R &= \text{3,25}\text{ N} \end{align*}

To determine the direction of the resultant force, we calculate the angle α between the resultant force vector and the positive \(x\)-axis, by using simple trigonometry: \begin{align*} \tan\alpha &= \frac{\text{opposite side}}{\text{adjacent side}} \\ \tan\alpha &= \frac{\text{2,3}}{\text{2,3}} \\ \alpha &= \tan^{-1}(\text{1}) \\ \alpha &= \text{45}\text{°} \end{align*}

The resultant force is then \(\text{3,25}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{45}\)\(\text{°}\) to the \(x\)-axis.

Resolve each of the following vectors into components:

\(\vec{F}_1\)=\(\text{105}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{23,5}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{50}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

466d4b2544b27d5b103adaa62ed042ef.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{105} \sin(\text{23,5}°)\\ &=\text{41,87}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{105} \cos(\text{23,5}°)\\ &=\text{96,29}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(\text{96,29}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{41,87}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_2\)=\(\text{27}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{58,9}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{10}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

d309b69d56152bab7627d1227903ad27.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= 27 \sin(\text{58,9}°)\\ &=\text{23,12}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= 27 \cos(\text{58,9}°)\\ &=\text{13,95}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(\text{13,95}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{23,12}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_3\)=\(\text{11,3}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{323}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{5}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

1e4b60ebf1ccc24908d5e5d942d8f090.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{11,3} \sin(\text{323}°)\\ &=-\text{6,8}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{11,3} \cos(\text{323}°)\\ &=\text{9,02}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(\text{9,02}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(-\text{6,8}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_4\)=\(\text{149}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{245}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{5}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

863cae77abb62dd810e62793e25f1354.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{149} \sin(\text{245}°)\\ &=-\text{135,04}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{149} \cos(\text{245}°)\\ &=-\text{62,97}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(-\text{62,97}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(-\text{135,04}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_5\)=\(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{375}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{5}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

baa9bb9c89b5017aa70d65c468e2a5bf.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{15} \sin(\text{375}°)\\ &=\text{3,89}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{15} \cos(\text{375}°)\\ &=\text{14,49}\text{ N} \end{align*}

Note that we would get the same result if we used \(\text{15}\)° as \(\text{375}° - \text{360}° = \text{15}°\).

\(F_{x}\) = \(\text{3,89}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{14,49}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_6\)=\(\text{14,9}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{75,6}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{2}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

2a9d38461c8a8bdc595476a6135066a8.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{14,9} \sin(\text{75,6}°)\\ &=\text{14,43}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{14,9} \cos(\text{75,6}°)\\ &=\text{3,71}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(\text{14,43}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{3,71}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_7\)=\(\text{11,3}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{123,4}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{5}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

439c5331d2b617aedac093fc76e94e65.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{11,3} \sin(\text{123,4}°)\\ &=\text{9,43}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{11,3} \cos(\text{123,4}°)\\ &=-\text{6,22}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(-\text{6,22}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{9,43}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\vec{F}_8\)=\(\text{169}\) \(\text{N}\) at \(\text{144}\)\(\text{°}\) to the positive \(x\)-axis.

Draw a rough sketch of the original vector (we use a scale of \(\text{50}\) \(\text{N}\) : \(\text{1}\) \(\text{cm}\))

c4ebd1ec8040a207d0e845b28b1f0738.png

Next we resolve the force into components parallel to the axes. Since these directions are perpendicular to one another, the components form a right-angled triangle with the original force as its hypotenuse.

Now we can use trigonometry to calculate the magnitudes of the components of the original force:

\begin{align*} F_y &= \text{169} \sin(\text{144}°)\\ &=\text{99,34}\text{ N} \end{align*}

and

\begin{align*} F_x &= \text{169} \cos(\text{144}°)\\ &=-\text{136,72}\text{ N} \end{align*}

\(F_{x}\) = \(-\text{136,72}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(F_{y}\) = \(\text{99,34}\) \(\text{N}\)

A point is acted on by two forces and the resultant is zero. The forces

  1. have equal magnitudes and directions.

  2. have equal magnitudes but opposite directions.

  3. act perpendicular to each other.

  4. act in the same direction.

have equal magnitudes but opposite directions.

A point in equilibrium is acted on by three forces. Force \(F_{1}\) has components \(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\) due south and \(\text{13}\) \(\text{N}\) due west. What are the components of force \(F_{2}\)?

  1. \(\text{13}\) \(\text{N}\) due north and \(\text{20}\) \(\text{N}\) due west

  2. \(\text{13}\) \(\text{N}\) due north and \(\text{13}\) \(\text{N}\) due west

  3. \(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\) due north and \(\text{7}\) \(\text{N}\) due west

  4. \(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\) due north and \(\text{13}\) \(\text{N}\) due east

a2c4c8551e5f18b07d8537224155884b.png

\(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\) due north and \(\text{7}\) \(\text{N}\) due west

Two vectors act on the same point. What should the angle between them be so that a maximum resultant is obtained?

  1. \(\text{0}\)\(\text{°}\)

  2. \(\text{90}\)\(\text{°}\)

  3. \(\text{180}\)\(\text{°}\)

  4. cannot tell

\(\text{0}\)\(\text{°}\)

Two forces, \(\text{4}\) \(\text{N}\) and \(\text{11}\) \(\text{N}\), act on a point. Which one of the following cannot be the magnitude of a resultant?

  1. \(\text{4}\) \(\text{N}\)

  2. \(\text{7}\) \(\text{N}\)

  3. \(\text{11}\) \(\text{N}\)

  4. \(\text{15}\) \(\text{N}\)

\(\text{4}\) \(\text{N}\)

An object of weight W is supported by two cables attached to the ceiling and wall as shown. The tensions in the two cables are \(T_{1}\) and \(T_{2}\) respectively. Tension \(T_{1} = \text{1 200}\text{ N}\). Determine the tension \(T_{2}\) by accurate construction and measurement or by calculation.

28447dbc0dabf739c0a997be64f88a98.png

We will use the \(x\)-component of \(T_{2}\) the fact that \(T_{1x} = T_{2x}\) to find \(T_{2}\):

\begin{align*} T_{2x} & = T_{1x} \\ T_{2} \cos(\text{20}\text{°}) & = T_{1}\cos(\text{45}\text{°})\\ T_{2} \cos(\text{20}\text{°}) & = (\text{1 200})(\cos(\text{45}\text{°})) \\ T_{2} \cos(\text{20}\text{°}) & = \text{848,53} \\ T_{2} & = \text{902,98}\text{ N} \end{align*}

An object X is supported by two strings, A and B, attached to the ceiling as shown in the sketch. Each of these strings can withstand a maximum force of \(\text{700}\) \(\text{N}\). The weight of X is increased gradually.

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Draw a rough sketch of the triangle of forces, and use it to explain which string will break first.

We draw a rough sketch:

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We note that \(T_{A}\cos(\text{30}\text{°}) = T_{B}\cos(\text{45}\text{°})\). Therefore:

\begin{align*} \frac{T_{A}}{T_{B}} & = \frac{\cos(\text{45}\text{°})}{\cos(\text{30}\text{°})}\\ & = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\\ \therefore \frac{T_{A}}{T_{B}} & < 1 \\ \therefore T_{A} & < T_{B} \end{align*}

The tension in B is greater and hence it will break first.

Determine the maximum weight of X which can be supported.

Since B will break first, the maximum weight that can be supported is when B is at a tension of \(\text{700}\) \(\text{N}\).

\begin{align*} \frac{T_{A}}{T_{B}} & = \frac{\cos(\text{45}\text{°})}{\cos(\text{30}\text{°})}\\ \therefore T_{A} & = \text{700} \times \frac{\cos(\text{45}\text{°})}{\cos(\text{30}\text{°})}\\ T_{A} & = \text{572}\text{ N} \\ W & = T_{A}\sin(\text{30}\text{°}) + T_{B}\sin(\text{45}\text{°})\\ & = \text{781}\text{ N} \end{align*}