Zizi O.
asked • 01/06/24A.
The horizontal component is 10.1 newtons, and the vertical component is 0 newtons.
B.
The horizontal component is 3.42 newtons, and the vertical component is 9.39 newtons.
C.
The horizontal component is 9.39 newtons, and the vertical component is 3.42 newtons.
D.
The horizontal component is 9.39 newtons, and the vertical component is 9.39 newtons.
After searching it up, I know the answer is B, but why isn't it C? The formula for a horizontal component is R*cos0, and the formula for a vertical component is R*sin0, but in this problem, they appear to be switched to achieve the correct answer. Why is that?
Reginald J. answered • 01/06/24
1st Session Free*, IIT Grad (BSME, E.I.T.), 7 Yr Math Tutor, Eng Tech.
Hi there,
Because the angle acts from the vertical and not the horizontal, you have to use the complement (90-20=70 degrees).
I hope this helps.
Zizi O.
Oh, that makes a lot more sense. Thank you so much!01/07/24
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The standard is to drop the perpendicular down to the x-axis. If you choose to draw the perpendicular to the y-axis, then opposite of 20 degrees would be the horizontal component (sine) and adjacent (cosine) for vertical.01/07/24