Magnitude and Direction of Force

In summary, the conversation is about finding the direction and magnitude of F3, the smallest force between three given vectors, using a given figure and the resultant force of the three vectors. The attempt at a solution involves using Rx and Ry and squaring them, but there are still two unknowns (F3 and the angle θ). The conversation ends with a hint to square and add in order to solve for the unknowns.
  • #1
chadovP
3
0

Homework Statement



http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=61581222vi0.jpg
http://xs433.xs.to/xs433/08440/untitled601.jpg

I need to find the direction and the magnitude of F3 given only the figure and the resultant force of the 3 vectors =20 lb, plus F3 being the smallest force between all of them.

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried Rx and Ry and squaring them but I have 3 unknows in 1 solution...

any ideas?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

chadovP said:
Tried Rx and Ry and squaring them but I have 3 unknows in 1 solution...

Hi chadovP! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a theta: θ :wink:)

I don't get it :confused: …

the only two unknowns are F3 and θ …

what unknowns did you have? :smile:
 
  • #3
yes but there are sin θ and cos θ which makes the equation very complicated.
 
  • #4
chadovP said:
yes but there are sin θ and cos θ which makes the equation very complicated.

ah!

but that's still only one unknown!

Hint: square, and add. :wink:
 
  • #5
2 unknows mate! F3 and the angle...
so i have f3 sqaured and the angle in one equation and that the part i am not getting...
 
  • #6
square, and add! :rolleyes:
 

FAQ: Magnitude and Direction of Force

1. What is meant by the magnitude of force?

The magnitude of force refers to the strength or intensity of a force. It is typically measured in units of Newtons (N) and represents the amount of push or pull that an object experiences.

2. How is the magnitude of force calculated?

The magnitude of force is calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by its acceleration. This can be represented by the equation F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

3. What is the direction of force?

The direction of force refers to the path or orientation in which a force is acting. It can be represented by arrows or vectors, with the length of the arrow indicating the magnitude and the direction of the arrow indicating the direction of the force.

4. How is the direction of force determined?

The direction of force is determined by the angle at which the force is acting in relation to a reference point or axis. This can be determined using a protractor or by calculating the angle between the force vector and the reference axis.

5. What is the difference between magnitude and direction of force?

The magnitude of force refers to the strength or intensity of the force, while the direction of force refers to the path or orientation in which the force is acting. They are both important components in understanding and calculating the overall force acting on an object.

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