ThomasHW said:Isn't the y-component trying to rotate it counterclockwise, while the x-component is trying to rotate it clockwise?
ThomasHW said:Ahh, okay. So I have the 34kN sign convention correct? It's kind of confusing deciding which way you think it'll go.
ThomasHW said:Another question... is B negative? If so, can you explain why?
ThomasHW said:What does projecting the line of action of the force tell me about the sign convention?
I'm working along a problem in my textbook which is exactly the same, except the angles and forces are SLIGHTLY different. It has Ay and B as being negative, and Ax as being positive. I figured out how Ay is negative (in my work) but I'm not seeing how Ax is positive if B is negative (Using the Fx equation at the top of the page in my work.)
Moments and vectors are concepts used in physics and mathematics to describe the distribution of forces and the motion of objects. A moment is a measure of the turning effect of a force, while a vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.
Moments and vectors are related because moments are calculated by multiplying a force by its distance from a reference point, which can be represented as a vector. In other words, moments are a type of vector quantity that describes the rotational forces on an object.
To calculate a moment, you need to know the magnitude of the force and its distance from the reference point. The formula for moment is M = F x d, where M is the moment, F is the force, and d is the distance. Vectors can be calculated by representing them as arrows with a specific magnitude and direction, and then using vector addition and subtraction to combine or break down multiple vectors.
Moments and vectors are used in many practical applications, such as engineering, architecture, and physics. They are used to analyze the structural stability of buildings, calculate the torque and angular momentum of rotating objects, and design machines and tools that can apply precise forces and movements.
One common misconception is that moments and vectors are only relevant in physics or engineering. In reality, they can be applied to various fields, including biology, economics, and even sports. Another misconception is that vectors only have direction and not magnitude, when in fact they have both. Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that moments only apply to circular or rotational motion, when they can also be used to describe linear motion.