The sum of the magnitudes of two forces acting. . .

Question : The sum of the magnitudes of two forces acting at a point is 16N. The resultant of these forces is perpendicular to the smaller force and has a magnitude of 8N. If the smaller force is of magnitude x, then the value of x is (in Newton).

Doubt by Suhani

Solution : 

R=8 N
A+B=16 (Given) B=16-A — (1)
Let A be the smaller force A = x
tanβ=Bsinθ/(A+Bcosθ) tan90°=Bsinθ/(x+Bcosθ) 1/0=Bsinθ/(x+Bcosθ) x+Bcoθ = 0 × Bsinθ
x+Bcosθ=0 Bcosθ=-x — (2)


R²=A²+B²+2ABcosθ R²=A²+(16-x)²+2x(-x) [Using Equation (1) and (2)] R²=A²+(16)²+x²-2(16)(x)-2x² (8)²=2x²+256-32x-2x² 64=256-32x 32x=256-64 32x=192 x=192/32 x=6

Hence, the required value of x is 6.

Similar Question :

The simple sum of two co-initial vectors is 16 units. Their vector sum is 8 units. The resultant of the vectors is perpendicular to the smaller vector. The magnitudes of the two vectors are a) 2 units and 14 units
b) 4 units and 12 units
c) 6 units and 10 units
d) 8 units and 8 units.

Click Here to See the Answersc) 6 units and 10 units