Figure 13 Right Triangle

Figure 11 Vector Components

Figure 14 F = 50 lbf at 53

Classical Physics - Physics theories and other related topics
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sin opposite hypotenuse a c cos adjacent hypotenuse b c tan opposite adjacent a b VECTORS: RESULTANTS AND COMPONENTS Vectors CP-02 Page 12 Rev. 0 Figure 13 Right Triangle As an exercise, the student should graphically find the easterly and northerly components of a 13 mile displacement at 22.6 north of east. The correct answer is 5 miles east and 12 miles o north. Trigonometry may also be used to determine vector components. Before explaining this method, it may be helpful to review the fundamental trigonometric functions. Recall that trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between angles and the length of the sides of triangles. The relationship between an acute angle of a right triangle, shown in Figure 13, and its sides is given by three ratios. (2-1) (2-2) (2-3) Before attempting to calculate vector components, first make a rough sketch that shows the approximate location of the resultant vector in an x-y coordinate system. It is helpful to form a visual picture before selecting the correct trigonometric function to be used. Consider the example of Figure 12, that was used previously. This time the component vectors will be calculated.

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