Finding α for F=F1+F2+F3 to be Parallel to AB

  • Thread starter Dell
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In summary, we have three forces, F1, F2, and F3, acting on an object with dimensions of 6x2. F1 is 4500N from the front at an angle of 39 degrees, F2 is 9000N from the front at an angle of -α, and F3 is 2250N from the back at an angle of 180 degrees. To find the angle α that would make the total force applied parallel to line AB, we set up equations for Fx and Fy and solve for α. However, in order to solve for α, we need to use a trigonometric identity such as cos(A)cos(α)+sin(A)sin(α
  • #1
Dell
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given 3 forces working on one object with dimentions of 6x2

F1=4500N (from the front at an anlge of 39)
F2=9000N (from the front at an angle of -α )
F3=2250N (grom the back at an angle of 180)

see diagram below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/devanlevin/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCL_4l4PpvP_YsQE#5315263399457681474

what must the angle α be in order for the total force applied to be parallel to the line AB, ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------

F=F1+F2+F3 (vectors)

Fx=4500*cos(39) + 9000*cos(α) - 2250
=2250(2*cos(39) + 4*cos(α) - 1)

Fy=4500*sin(39) -9000*sin(α)
=2250(2*sin(39)-4*sin(α))

now in order for this vector to be parallel to AB, it must be at the same angle,-->

2/6=[2250(2*sin(39)-4*sin(α))] / [2250(2*cos(39) + 4*cos(α) - 1)]

(2*cos(39) + 4*cos(α) - 1) = (6*sin(39)-12*sin(α))
cos(α)+3*sin(α) = 0.8054

from here i am stuck, i need to find some trigonometrical identity to help me out, alternatively, another way to solve the problem
 
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  • #2
Dell said:
cos(α)+3*sin(α) = 0.8054

from here i am stuck, i need to find some trigonometrical identity to help me out, alternatively, another way to solve the problem

Hi Dell! :smile:

(i haven't checked how you got there, but …)

Hint: to solve an equation like this, put it in the form cos(A)cos(α)+sin(A)sin(α) = … :wink:
 
  • #3
i don't understand, could you continue a bit
 
  • #4
Dell said:
i don't understand, could you continue a bit

well, for example, if it was cos(α)+sin(α) = 0.8054, you could write that as

cos(α)/√2 + sin(α)/√2 = 0.8054/√2

ie cos(π/4)cos(α) + sin(π/4)sin(α) = 0.8054/√2

so cos(α - π/4) = 0.8054/√2 :smile:
 

FAQ: Finding α for F=F1+F2+F3 to be Parallel to AB

What is α in the equation F=F1+F2+F3 to be parallel to AB?

α represents the angle between the direction of AB and the direction of the resultant force F.

How is α related to the individual forces F1, F2, and F3 in the equation?

α is determined by the magnitudes and directions of the individual forces F1, F2, and F3. It can be calculated using trigonometric functions such as cosine or sine.

Can α have a negative value in this equation?

Yes, α can have a negative value if the direction of the resultant force F is opposite to the direction of AB. This means that the forces are acting in opposite directions and will cancel each other out.

How can I determine the value of α in real-world scenarios?

In real-world scenarios, you can use a protractor or a measuring tool to measure the angle between the direction of AB and the direction of F. Alternatively, you can use mathematical equations to calculate the value of α based on the given forces.

Why is it important to find α for F=F1+F2+F3 to be parallel to AB?

Finding α allows us to determine the direction of the resultant force F, which is important in understanding the overall effect of multiple forces acting on a body. It also helps in solving problems related to equilibrium and stability in physics and engineering.

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