nadia is pulling a tarp along level ground with a force of 25 pounds directed along the tarp. If the tarp makes an angle of 50 degrees with the ground, find the horizontal component of the force.
To find the horizontal component of the force, we need to use trigonometry. The horizontal component can be found using the cosine function.
The given force is 25 pounds, and it is directed along the tarp, which makes an angle of 50 degrees with the ground. Let's call this angle θ.
The horizontal component of the force can be represented by the equation:
Horizontal component = Force × cosine(θ)
Substituting the given values:
Horizontal component = 25 pounds × cosine(50 degrees)
Now, we need to find the value of cosine(50 degrees). You can use a scientific calculator or the trigonometric table to find the cosine of 50 degrees. If you are using a calculator, make sure it is set to degrees mode.
Using a calculator, cosine(50 degrees) is approximately 0.6428.
Substituting this value into the equation:
Horizontal component = 25 pounds × 0.6428
Calculating this:
Horizontal component ≈ 16.07 pounds
Therefore, the horizontal component of the force is approximately 16.07 pounds.