The quadriceps pulls on the patella with a force of 1000N, while the patellar tendon pulls on the patella with a force of 1000N also. The knee is in flexed position, so the angle between these two forces is 120 degrees. A compressive force from the femoral condyles is the only other significant force acting on the patella. If the patella is an static equilibrium, how large is the compressive force exerted by the femoral condyles on the patella?

Question

summersnow8 · Answer

The answer seems to be:1000 N force pushing anteriorly & superiorly on the patella at an angle of 30 degrees about the horizontal. 

I am not sure how they solved this and show work, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

anonymous · Answer

http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/540ddec2e4b0d8ead1beb7c5

agent0smith · Answer

Break the two 1000N forces up into horizontal and vertical components. 

Then add components together (horizontal components, and vertical components).

That gives the resultant force of those two forces together.

agent0smith · Answer

|dw:1410555350752:dw|
it's 30 since 90+30 = 120