A block is pulled by a force of [tex][tex]$177 N$[/tex][/tex] directed at an [tex]85.0^{\circ}[/tex] angle from the horizontal.

What is the x-component of the force acting on the block?

[tex]\overrightarrow{F_x} = [?] \, N[/tex]



Answer :

To find the x-component of a force directed at an angle, we use the concept of breaking down the vector into its components. The x-component of the force can be found using trigonometry, specifically the cosine function. Here's how to solve it step by step:

1. Understand the given quantities:
- The magnitude of the force, [tex]\( F \)[/tex], is [tex]\( 177 \, \text{N} \)[/tex].
- The angle, [tex]\( \theta \)[/tex], at which the force is applied relative to the horizontal is [tex]\( 85.0^\circ \)[/tex].

2. Convert the angle from degrees to radians:
Trigonometric functions in most contexts use angles in radians. To convert degrees to radians, we use the conversion factor:
[tex]\[ \theta_{\text{radians}} = \theta_{\text{degrees}} \times \frac{\pi}{180} \][/tex]
Plugging in the given angle:
[tex]\[ \theta_{\text{radians}} = 85.0 \times \frac{\pi}{180} \approx 1.4835298641951802 \, \text{radians} \][/tex]

3. Calculate the x-component of the force:
The x-component of the force, [tex]\( F_x \)[/tex], is calculated using the cosine of the angle. The formula is:
[tex]\[ F_x = F \cos(\theta_{\text{radians}}) \][/tex]
Substituting the known values:
[tex]\[ F_x = 177 \times \cos(1.4835298641951802) \][/tex]

4. Evaluate the cosine function and the product:
Using the known cosine value for [tex]\( 1.4835298641951802 \)[/tex] radians:
[tex]\[ F_x = 177 \times 0.08729 \approx 15.42656646633549 \, \text{N} \][/tex]

Therefore, the x-component of the force acting on the block is approximately [tex]\( 15.43 \, \text{N} \)[/tex].

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