Chapter 3: Problem 56
Find the sum of the following four vectors in (a) unit-vector notation, and as (b) a magnitude and (c) an angle relative to \(+x\). \(\vec{P}: 10.0 \mathrm{~m}\), at \(25.0^{\circ}\) counterclockwise from \(+x\) \(\vec{Q}: 12.0 \mathrm{~m}\), at \(10.0^{\circ}\) counterclockwise from \(+y\) \(\vec{R}: 8.00 \mathrm{~m}\), at \(20.0^{\circ}\) clockwise from \(-y\) \(\vec{S}: 9.00 \mathrm{~m}\), at \(40.0^{\circ}\) counterclockwise from \(-y\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Resolve Vector P into Components
Resolve Vector Q into Components
Resolve Vector R into Components
Resolve Vector S into Components
Sum the Components to Find the Resultant Vector
Calculate the Magnitude of the Resultant Vector
Determine the Angle Relative to the Positive X-axis
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Unit-Vector Notation
For instance, in the problem we are solving, the resultant vector \(\vec{R}_{\text{sum}}\) is expressed as \(1.50 \hat{i} + 14.31 \hat{j}\; \mathrm{m}\). This tells us that the vector points 1.50 meters in the positive x-direction and 14.31 meters in the positive y-direction.
- \(\hat{i}\) and \(\hat{j}\) are unit vectors, meaning they have a magnitude of 1 but are directed along the x and y axes.
- Unit-vector notation simplifies the addition and subtraction of vectors by focusing separately on each dimension.
- This form of notation is essential for understanding complex vector operations in physics and engineering.
Magnitude Calculation
For a vector decomposed into x and y components, its magnitude is given by \(|\vec{V}| = \sqrt{V_x^2 + V_y^2}\). You essentially square the components, sum them, and take the square root to find the length of the vector.
In the exercise, the resultant vector's magnitude \(|\vec{R}_{\text{sum}}|\) is calculated as \(\sqrt{(1.50)^2 + (14.31)^2}\), yielding approximately 14.38 meters.
- The magnitude provides a scalar value representing the overall size of the vector.
- While direction is crucial, the magnitude alone is often used to gauge kinetic energy, force, and other scalar quantities in physics.
- Magnitude is always a non-negative number since it represents a distance or size.
Vector Resolution
Consider Vector \(\vec{P}\) from the exercise. It is resolved into components as follows:
\[\begin{align*} P_x &= 10.0 \cos(25.0^\circ) \ P_y &= 10.0 \sin(25.0^\circ) \end{align*}\]
This tells us exactly how much of \(\vec{P}\) is directed along the x-axis and y-axis.
- Resolution is particularly useful when dealing with forces, velocity, and acceleration in more complex systems.
- It allows for simple vector addition by focusing on each component separately.
- This method is crucial for converting between polar and rectangular coordinates.