A force of 50 pounds is exerted at an angle of 80 with the horizontal. What is its horizontal component?

a. 9 lb.

b. 29 lb.

c. 49 lb.

Option A is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Any vector can be resolved in to two components. Horizontal component and vertical component.

Consider a vector F which is at angle θ⁰ to the horizontal, we can resolve this vector in to two.

Horizontal component = F cos θ

Vertical component = F sin θ

Here we have Force, F = 50 pounds

Angle with horizontal = 80°

Horizontal component = F cos θ = 50 * cos 80 = 8.68 pounds

≅ 9 lb.

Option A is the correct answer.