Three professional wrestlers are fighting over a champion's belt, and each exerts a force on the belt. Wrestler 1 exerts a force F1 = 40.0 N in the + x-direction, wrestler 2 exerts a force F2 = 80.0 N in the - y-direction, and wrestler 3 exerts a force F3 = 60.0 N at an angle of 36.9∘ counterclockwise from the + x-direction. Find the x - and y-components of the net external force F⃗ on the belt.

The x-component of the net external force Fx = 88.0 N î

The y-component of the net external force Fy = - 44 N ĵ

Explanation:

Net force acting on an object is the sum of all forces acting upon it.

F = F1 + F2 + F3

Forces in terms of x, y-components:

F₁ = 40 N î (where î is the unit vector in x-direction)

F₂ = - 80 N ĵ (where ĵ is the unit vector in y-direction)

F₃ = 60 N

= F₃cosθ î + F₃sinθ ĵ

= 60*cos (36.9°) î + 60*sin (36.9°) ĵ

= 48î + 36ĵ

Net External Force = F1 + F2 + F3

= 40 î - 80 ĵ + 48 î + 36 ĵ

= 40 î + 48 î - 80 ĵ + 36 ĵ

= 88 î - 44 ĵ

Here, only like components (same direction) can be added into each other.