Three forces, A,B and C act in the same vertical plane from point O. Force A is 30N and acts horizontally to the left of O. Force B is 40N and acts vertically upwards. Determine force C and the direction in which it acts, if the forces are in equilibrium.
To determine the force C and its direction, we need to find the net force acting on point O and set it to zero since the forces are in equilibrium.
First, let's break down the forces into their components. Force A is acting horizontally, so it doesn't have any vertical component. Force B is acting vertically upwards, so it doesn't have any horizontal component.
Now, let's draw a diagram:
A (30 N)
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B (40 N) | O
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Since the forces are in equilibrium, the net force in both the horizontal and vertical directions must be zero.
In the horizontal direction:
Net horizontal force = A (horizontal component)
= 30 N
In the vertical direction:
Net vertical force = B (vertical component) - C
= 40 N - C
Since the net force in both directions is zero, we have:
Net horizontal force = 0 N
Net vertical force = 0 N
Equating the horizontal forces:
30 N = 0 N
This equation is always true, so it doesn't provide any useful information.
Equating the vertical forces:
40 N - C = 0 N
Solving for C, we have:
C = 40 N
So the force C is 40 N and it acts vertically upwards.