Question
A force inclined at angle 37° with the horizontal has vertical component 42N. Find the magnitude of force and magnitude of its horizontal component. (Take sin 37° = 0·6 and cos 37° = 0·8)
Solution
Let F be the magnitude of force.
If force vector subtends an angle θ with the horizontal, then horizontal and vertical components of force respectively,
and 
Here,
Angle with which the force is inclined to the horizontal,
Vertical component of the force,
So, magnitude of force is found using,
∴
Force,
Horizontal component,
If force vector subtends an angle θ with the horizontal, then horizontal and vertical components of force respectively,


Here,
Angle with which the force is inclined to the horizontal,

Vertical component of the force,

So, magnitude of force is found using,
∴

Force,

Horizontal component,
