Explanation:
From the symmetry of the problem, we can see that the force in members AB and BC are equivalent. Hence, the y-component of the force in each of these members is 5N or one-half of the 10N load. The total force in the member is then 5 N / sin(60) = 5.77N. The member is in compression since the forces at either end act inwards. Other questions that might be considered include: What is the force in member AC? What happens if we change the angles? In either case, analysis is a matter of balancing forces and considering trigonometry.
