Question

Three forces of 3 N, 4 N, and 5 N act on an object so that the object is inequilibrium. Determine the angle between the largest and smallest forces.

Answer 1

Explanation

In solving the question, we will make use of the law: Triangle of forces

The triangle law of forces can also be stated as, if a body is in equilibrium under the action of three forces acting at a point, then the three forces can be completely represented by the three sides of a triangle taken in order.

So in our case, we will have the sketch

Solving for the angle, we will have

$tan\theta=\frac{4}{5}$$\begin{gathered} \theta=\tan^{-1}(\frac{4}{5}) \\ \theta=38.66^0 \end{gathered}$

The angle between the largest and the smallest forces is 38.66 degrees