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A small map shows Atlanta to be 730 miles in a direction \(5^{\circ}\) north of east from Dallas. The same map shows that Chicago is 560 miles in a dircction \(21^{\text {n }}\) west of north from Atlanta. Assume a flat Earth and use the given information to find the displacement from Dallas to Chicago.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The displacement from Dallas to Chicago is 595 miles.

Step by step solution

01

Diagram and Vector Decomposition for Atlanta from Dallas

First, draw a rough sketch of the situation. Then find the coordinates for Atlanta in reference to Dallas by resolving the vector. Convert the polar coordinates (730 miles, \(5o\)), into Cartesian coordinates to get the east and north components of the Dallas-Atlanta vector: \(\Delta x = R \cos \theta = 730 \cos 5 = 727.66\) miles and \(\Delta y = R \sin \theta = 730 \sin 5 = 63.56\) miles. So, the position of Atlanta in reference to Dallas is (727.66, 63.56).
02

Diagram and Vector Decomposition for Chicago from Atlanta

Carry out a similar process for Chicago in reference to Atlanta, noting the direction change. Chicago’s x (westward) and y (northward) displacements are \(\Delta x = R \cos \theta = 560 \cos 21 = -192.99\) miles and \(\Delta y = R \sin \theta = 560 \sin 21 = 201.54\) miles. So, the position of Chicago in reference to Atlanta is (-192.99, 201.54).
03

Summing the Vectors

To find Dallas-Chicago distance, find the vector sum of the Dallas-Atlanta vector and the Atlanta-Chicago vector. This means adding the x and y coordinates of each vector together: \(\Delta x = 727.66 - 192.99 = 534.67\) miles and \(\Delta y = 63.56 + 201.54 = 265.10\) miles. This will provide the Cartesian coordinates (534.67, 265.10) for the Dallas-Chicago vector.
04

Calculating the Displacement

Finally, calculate the magnitude of the Dallas-Chicago vector using the Pythagorean Theorem. This will give the direct distance (displacement) from Dallas to Chicago: \( R = \sqrt{\Delta x^2 + \Delta y^2} = \sqrt{(534.67^2 + 265.10^2)} = 595\) miles.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Displacement Vector
Understanding displacement vectors is crucial in finding the shortest path between two points, such as Dallas and Chicago. A displacement vector is a quantity that reflects both distance and direction between two locations. In our exercise, the displacement vector from Dallas to Chicago takes into account the individual journeys from Dallas to Atlanta, and then from Atlanta to Chicago.
  • It starts with decomposing each leg of the journey into vector components using specific angles and distances.
  • The vector sum of these components gives the overall displacement vector, representing the direct route one would take when flying or driving directly.
By using vector decomposition, we simplify complex navigation problems into manageable calculations. Each segment's direction and distance are crucial to accurately determine the end displacement.
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian coordinates provide a way to map points in a two-dimensional plane, allowing us to analyze displacement vectors more comprehensively. By translating distances and angles into Cartesian coordinates, we can work with straightforward x (horizontal) and y (vertical) components. In the problem, the positions of Atlanta and Chicago relative to Dallas are expressed using these coordinates.
  • The conversion from polar coordinates, which use radial distance and angle, to Cartesian coordinates involves trigonometric functions: cosine for the x-component and sine for the y-component.
  • This conversion simplifies the addition or subtraction of vectors, as it allows for direct algebraic operations on the x and y components.
Thus, Cartesian coordinates serve as an efficient framework for dealing with displacement vectors, making complex navigation questions more solvable.
Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is essential for determining the magnitude of resultant vectors after decomposition and summation. It applies perfectly in calculating the direct distance between two points, such as between Dallas and Chicago.
  • The theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse (longest side of a right triangle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
  • For vectors, this means using the formula \( R = \sqrt{\Delta x^2 + \Delta y^2} \) to find the displacement magnitude, where \( \Delta x \) and \( \Delta y \) are the respective calculated x and y components of the vector.
This theorem allows for the transformation of the Cartesian coordinate components back into a meaningful measurement of distance—a crucial step to completing vector analysis.

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