Question

A porcelain vase weighing 49.0N is supported by a tripod. The legs of the tripod are spaced at 120° apart and are inclined 60° with the horizontal. Find the force exerted by each leg of the tripod.

Answer 1

The forse that acts into the first leg (120$^0$ with the horizontal).

$F_1=Pcos 120^0=-49*0.5=-24.5$ N

into the second leg (60$^0$ with the horizontal):

$F_2=Pcos60^0=49*0.5=24.5$ N

So. these forces are equal, but act into the opposite sides. The reason of it is the angle.