The resultant of the two forces 3N and2N at an angle theta is doubled when first force in increased to 6N. Find theta?

1 Answer
Mar 7, 2016

theta=(2pi)/3 or 120^@

Explanation:

Formula for resultant force of two forces P and Q is given by R=sqrt(P^2+Q^2+2PxxQxxcostheta).

When two forces 3N and 2N are at an angle theta, value of the first resultant is R_1 is given by

R_1=Nsqrt(3^2+2^2+2xx3xx2xxcostheta)=sqrt(13+12costheta)

When first force is increased to 6N, the resultant force R_2 is given by

R_2=Nsqrt(6^2+2^2+2xx6xx2xxcostheta)=sqrt(40+24costheta)

As R_2 is doubled

Nsqrt(40+24costheta)=2xxNsqrt(13+12costheta) or

40+24costheta=4xx(13+12costheta)=52+48costheta

Hence, 24costheta=-12 or costheta=-1/2

and theta=(2pi)/3 or 120^@