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mechanics, resolving forces-equilibrium question... help :)

A particle is in equilibrium at O under the action of forces X, Y and R.
Find the magnitude of R and the angle o when: X=3N and Y=4N

X and Y are acting along the x axis and y axis, respectively, and R is the line with the angle 0 between the x axis and itself -seeing as the picture's really bad :/

I've gotten as far as:

3N=Rcos0
4N=Rcos(90-0) or Rsin0

don't know if that's right... and don't really know where to go from here, seeing as the two unknows are multiplied.

thank youu :smile:
Reply 1
Draw a pythag triangle, it'll make it so much easier.
Reply 2
Original post by 0201Bean
A particle is in equilibrium at O under the action of forces X, Y and R.
Find the magnitude of R and the angle o when: X=3N and Y=4N

X and Y are acting along the x axis and y axis, respectively, and R is the line with the angle 0 between the x axis and itself -seeing as the picture's really bad :/

I've gotten as far as:

3N=Rcos0
4N=Rcos(90-0) or Rsin0

don't know if that's right... and don't really know where to go from here, seeing as the two unknows are multiplied.

thank youu :smile:

You're right so far.
(theta = x)
Rcosx = 3 & Rsinx = 4
Divide them, so you get tanx = 4/3 --> x = tan^-1 (4/3)
Now you have the angle.
Put this angle back in either one of Rcosx = 3 or Rsinx = 4 to work out R.
Reply 3
Original post by F1Addict
You're right so far.
(theta = x)
Rcosx = 3 & Rsinx = 4
Divide them, so you get tanx = 4/3 --> x = tan^-1 (4/3)
Now you have the angle.
Put this angle back in either one of Rcosx = 3 or Rsinx = 4 to work out R.


ahhh, page and a half of working and it only took 3 lines :/ :L thank you! :biggrin:
Reply 4
Original post by 0201Bean
ahhh, page and a half of working and it only took 3 lines :/ :L thank you! :biggrin:


You're welcome. :smile:
The fact that you did a page and a half of working is great. It shows you've tried to do the question, and not given up immediately. It may only take 3 lines, but after attempting the question yourself you'll have a greater understanding. :wink:

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