Chapter 7: Problem 54
Vector \(\mathbf{F}\) is in standard position and makes an angle of \(315^{\circ}\) with the positive \(x\)-axis. Its magnitude is 30 . Write \(\mathbf{F}\) in component form \(\langle a, b\rangle\) and in vector component form \(a \mathbf{i}+b \mathbf{j}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\mathbf{F} = \langle 15\sqrt{2}, -15\sqrt{2} \rangle = 15\sqrt{2} \mathbf{i} - 15\sqrt{2} \mathbf{j}\)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to express the vector \(\mathbf{F}\), which has a magnitude of 30 and makes an angle of \(315^{\circ}\) with the positive \(x\)-axis, in component form \(\langle a, b \rangle\) and in vector component form \(a \mathbf{i} + b \mathbf{j}\).
02
Calculate the Components Using Trigonometry
The components \(a\) and \(b\) of a vector with magnitude \(r\) and direction angle \(\theta\) can be found using the formulas \(a = r \cos \theta\) and \(b = r \sin \theta\). Here, \(r = 30\) and \(\theta = 315^{\circ}\).
03
Compute the x-component (a)
Calculate the \(x\)-component using the cosine of \(\theta\). \[ a = 30 \cos 315^{\circ} = 30 \times \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = 15\sqrt{2} \].
04
Compute the y-component (b)
Calculate the \(y\)-component using the sine of \(\theta\). \[ b = 30 \sin 315^{\circ} = 30 \times \left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right) = -15\sqrt{2} \].
05
Write the Vector in Component Form
Combine the components into the component form \(\langle a, b \rangle\). The vector is \(\langle 15\sqrt{2}, -15\sqrt{2} \rangle\).
06
Write the Vector in Vector Component Form
The vector can also be expressed in terms of the unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) as \(15\sqrt{2} \mathbf{i} - 15\sqrt{2} \mathbf{j}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Trigonometry and Vectors
Trigonometry plays a key role in understanding vectors. When we talk about a vector in the plane, we're typically interested in two main quantities: its magnitude, or length, and its direction, which is usually measured as an angle from the positive x-axis.
To find components of a vector, trigonometry is essential.
In our exercise, with an angle of \(315^{\circ}\), we first need to recognize this angle is in the fourth quadrant (because it is between \(270^{\circ}\) and \(360^{\circ}\)). Here, the cosine is positive, and the sine is negative. This tells us that the x-component is positive, and the y-component, being negative, points downward.
Remembering these aspects of trigonometry helps immensely in analyzing vectors in component form.
To find components of a vector, trigonometry is essential.
- The cosine of the angle helps us determine the x-component, as it measures how much of the vector points horizontally.
- The sine of the angle gives us the y-component, showing how much of the vector points vertically.
In our exercise, with an angle of \(315^{\circ}\), we first need to recognize this angle is in the fourth quadrant (because it is between \(270^{\circ}\) and \(360^{\circ}\)). Here, the cosine is positive, and the sine is negative. This tells us that the x-component is positive, and the y-component, being negative, points downward.
Remembering these aspects of trigonometry helps immensely in analyzing vectors in component form.
Vector Magnitude
The magnitude of a vector is a measure of how long it is, much like the length of a line segment. We denote it as \(r\) and given its value, we can think of it as the vector's "speed" or "strength" regardless of direction.
Magnitude is always a non-negative value.
To calculate a vector's components using its magnitude and direction angle:
In our example, the magnitude of the vector \( \mathbf{F} \) is 30, and we follow these formulas using \(\theta = 315^{\circ}\) to find the exact values for the x and y components. Magnitude is crucial as it scales the components proportionally to keep the same directional balance dictated by the angle.
Magnitude is always a non-negative value.
To calculate a vector's components using its magnitude and direction angle:
- The x-component, \(a\), is computed by multiplying the magnitude \(r\) by the cosine of the angle \(\theta\): \[ a = r \cos \theta \].
- The y-component, \(b\), is found by multiplying the magnitude by the sine of the angle: \[ b = r \sin \theta \].
In our example, the magnitude of the vector \( \mathbf{F} \) is 30, and we follow these formulas using \(\theta = 315^{\circ}\) to find the exact values for the x and y components. Magnitude is crucial as it scales the components proportionally to keep the same directional balance dictated by the angle.
Direction Angle of a Vector
The direction angle of a vector indicates its orientation in the plane. Measured from the positive x-axis, this angle helps us understand where the vector points.
Angles are often presented in degrees, and an angle can help us categorize which quadrant the vector lands in:
Angles are often presented in degrees, and an angle can help us categorize which quadrant the vector lands in:
- First quadrant: 0° to 90°
- Second quadrant: 90° to 180°
- Third quadrant: 180° to 270°
- Fourth quadrant: 270° to 360° (or -90° from positive y-axis going clockwise)
- In the fourth quadrant, the x-component (cosine) remains positive while the y-component (sine) turns negative.