Question

For a vector F, Fcosβ is equal to zero. What does this refer?

(a) X-axis component is zero

(b) Y-axis component is zero

(c) Z-axis component is zero

(d) β = 180˚

This question was addressed to me during an internship interview.

My enquiry is from Cartesian Vectors in chapter Force Vectors of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) Y-axis component is zero

To explain: As we know the α, β and γ are the angles made by the x, y and z-axis respectively. Thus y-axis component is zero, or β = 90˚. And thus if the angle is giving component to be zero this means the vector in that particular axis is perpendicular to that axis.