Two forces of 128 lb and 253 lb act on a point. The resultant force is 320 lb. Find the angle between the forces.
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- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
8. Vectors
Geometric Vectors
Problem 41
Textbook Question
A force of 18.0 lb is required to hold a 60.0-lb stump grinder on an incline. What angle does the incline make with the horizontal?
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the forces acting on the stump grinder on the incline: the weight (60.0 lb) acting vertically downward and the force (18.0 lb) required to hold it in place along the incline.
Recognize that the force holding the grinder is balancing the component of the weight parallel to the incline. The weight can be resolved into two components: one parallel to the incline and one perpendicular to it.
Use the relationship between the force parallel to the incline and the angle \( \theta \) of the incline: the parallel component of the weight is given by \( W \sin(\theta) \), where \( W = 60.0 \) lb.
Set up the equation equating the force required to hold the grinder to the parallel component of the weight: \( 18.0 = 60.0 \sin(\theta) \).
Solve for the angle \( \theta \) by isolating \( \sin(\theta) \): \( \sin(\theta) = \frac{18.0}{60.0} \), then find \( \theta = \arcsin\left(\frac{18.0}{60.0}\right) \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Forces on an Inclined Plane
When an object rests on an inclined plane, its weight can be resolved into components parallel and perpendicular to the plane. The parallel component causes the object to slide down, while the perpendicular component presses it against the surface. Understanding these components is essential to analyze forces acting on the object.
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Example 2
Trigonometric Resolution of Forces
Trigonometry allows us to relate the angle of the incline to the force components using sine and cosine functions. Specifically, the component of weight parallel to the incline is given by weight times sine of the angle, and the perpendicular component by weight times cosine of the angle.
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Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
Equilibrium and Force Balance
For the stump grinder to be held stationary, the applied force must balance the component of weight pulling it down the incline. Setting the applied force equal to the parallel component of weight allows solving for the incline angle, ensuring the system is in equilibrium.
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