Edexcel M1 — Question 3

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
TopicVectors Introduction & 2D

3. A particle is in equilibrium under the action of three forces \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) acting in the same horizontal plane. \(P\) has magnitude 9 N and acts on a bearing of \(030 ^ { \circ } . Q\) has magnitude 12 N . and acts on a bearing of \(225 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Find the values of \(a\) and \(b\) such that \(\mathbf { R } = ( a \mathbf { i } + b \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\), where \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are unit vectors in the directions due East and due North respectively.
  2. Calculate the magnitude and direction of \(\mathbf { R }\)