A sled at rest is suddenly pulled in three horizontal directions at the same time, but it does not move. Paul pulls to the northeast with a force of 39 lb. Johnny pulls at an angle of 44° south of due west with a force of 68 lb. Connie pulls with a force to be determined.

1) Express the boys' two forces in terms of the usual unit vectors.

Paul:

2)

3) Johnny:

4)

5) Determine the third force (from Connie), expressing it first in component form and then as a magnitude and direction (angle). Neglect friction.

Connie:

6)

7) Magnitude:

8) Direction

Thank you!

1 answer

Paul: F1 = 39Lb[45o] = 27.6 + 27.6i.

Johnny: F2 = 68Lb[224o] = -48.9 - 47.2i.

F1+F2 = (27.6+27.6i) + (-48.9-47.2i),
F1+F2 = -21.3 - 19.6i = 28.9Lb[42.6o]S. of W. = 28.9Lb[222.6] CCW.

Connie:
Connie's force is the equilibrant force, because it reduces the resultant force to zero:

F3 = -(F1+F2) = -(-21.3-19.6i) = 21.3 + 19.6i = 28.9Lb[42.6o] N. of E. = 28.9Lb[42.6o] CCW.