Ellus

Three horizontal forces are pulling on a

ring, at rest. F1 is 12.0 N at a 0° angle, and

F2 is 18.0 N at a 90° direction. What is the

x-component of F3?

Three forces are in equilibrium.

Let us represent forces in vector form ie in the form of i and j.

F₁ is acting along positive x axis (at a 0° angle)

F₁ = 12 i

F₂ is acting along positive y axis (at a 90° direction)

F₂ = 18 j

Suppose F₃ is represented by X i + Y j

Total of three forces is zero.

F₁ + F₂ + F₃ = 0

12 i + 18 j + F₃ = 0

F₃ = - 12i - 18 j

So x - component of F₃ = - 12 i

X - component of F₃ is equal to 12 N in magnitude and is acting in negative x direction ie at 180° direction.

similarly y - component is 18 N acting in negative y direction.