Resolving forces

**elieh** · May 13th 2011, 11:22 PM

Hey guys,
Question: A mass of 2.6 kg is maintained in equilibrium in a vertical plane by forces of 5P N and 12P N (where P is an unknown constant) which are perpendicular.
5P is at an angle $\alpha$ from the vertical.
Find the value of $\alpha$ and the value of the constant P.

So 12p is at an angle of $90-\alpha$ from the vertical. (My reasoning)

Resolving vertically I get: $5p\cos \alpha + 12p\sin \alpha =26$
And horizontally: $12p\cos \alpha = 5p\sin \alpha$

After that I'm stuck, simultaneous equations I presume.

**abhishekkgp** · May 13th 2011, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by elieh

Hey guys,
Question: A mass of 2.6 kg is maintained in equilibrium in a vertical plane by forces of 5P N and 12P N (where P is an unknown constant) which are perpendicular.
5P is at an angle $\alpha$ from the vertical.
Find the value of $\alpha$ and the value of the constant P.

So 12p is at an angle of $90-\alpha$ from the vertical. (My reasoning)

Resolving vertically I get: $5p\cos \alpha + 12p\sin \alpha =26$
And horizontally: $12p\cos \alpha = 5p\sin \alpha$

After that I'm stuck, simultaneous equations I presume.