Determine the horizontal and vertical components of a force with a magnitude of 33N, angle theta =27 degrees counterclockwise from the vertical.

Question

Include a vector diagram in your solution. 

I need help with this ASAP please!

Answer 1

When dealing with vectors, we use the angle that is referenced to the horizontal.  Since the angle is 27 degrees clockwise from the vertical, we take its complement.

 

θ_x = 90 - 27

θ_x = 63

 

This is the angle we will use.   To find the horizontal component, we multiply the magnitude of the vector by the cosine angle referenced to the horizontal.  To find the vertical component, we do the same thing, but take the sine angle.

 

x = 33cos(63)

x = 14.98

 

y = 33sin(63)

y = 29.40