A force of 100 newtons is applied to an object at an angle of 30 degrees above horizontal. Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the force.

Question

A force of 100 newtons is applied to an object at an angle of 30 degrees above horizontal.  Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the force.

anonymous · Answer

Is it applied as a "push" or "pull"?

anonymous · Answer

It doesn't specify.  Is that something I need to find out?

anonymous · Answer

I'm assuming pull, which means the force is going "away" from the ground. Force vector is F=100, F=100cos(30)i+100sin(30)j, where the form F=xi+yj is being used.

You can solve it from here, yes? Don't be afraid to ask if not.

anonymous · Answer

Is the i an imaginary #?  We haven't used the i yet.

anonymous · Answer

No, i is the x-component unit vector, where its magnitude is 1. The same with j. I take it you haven't learned vectors, then.

In which case, the x-component is 100cos(30) and the y-component is 100sin(30). Do you understand why?

anonymous · Answer

We just started vectors yesterday so I don't have much knowledge on them.  I see now where it comes from.