Chapter 4: Problem 45
A vector \(\vec{B}\), with a magnitude of \(8.0 \mathrm{~m}\), is added to a vector \(\vec{A}\), which lies along an \(x\) axis. The sum of these two vectors is a third vector that lies along the \(y\) axis and has a magnitude that is twice the magnitude of \(\vec{A}\). What is the magnitude of \(\vec{A}\) ?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the problem
Express vectors algebraically
Find the resultant vector
Magnitude condition
Set up the equation
Solve for A
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Magnitude
In our example exercise, one of the vectors, \(\backslash \backslashvec{B}\), has a given magnitude of 8.0 m. Magnitude is also sometimes called the length or norm of the vector. This simplifies our calculations as we directly use the value given.
Resultant Vector
The resultant vector, \(\backslash \backslashvec{R}\), can be found by vector addition. For vectors \(\backslash \backslashvec{A}\) and \(\backslash \backslashvec{B}\), the resultant vector is \(\backslashvec{R} = \backslashvec{A} + \backslashvec{B}\). In our exercise example, since the given condition is that the resultant vector lies along the y-axis and has a magnitude twice that of \(\backslash \backslashvec{A}\), this indicates specific behavior along coordinate axes.
Orthogonal Vectors
In our example, \(\backslash \backslashvec{A}\) lies along the x-axis and \(\backslash \backslashvec{B}\) lies along the y-axis. Since the resultant vector lies along the y-axis and the magnitude condition implies orthogonality. This tells us that we are dealing with perpendicular vectors.
Vector Components
In the given exercise, \(\backslash \backslashvec{A}\) lies along the x-axis, so it can be expressed as \(\backslash \backslashvec{A} = A\backslashhat{i}\). Meanwhile, \(\backslash \backslashvec{B}\) lies along the y-axis and is written as \(\backslash \backslashvec{B} = 8\backslashhat{j}\). This clear breakdown of vector components helps in forming the equation to find the magnitude of \(\backslash \backslashvec{A}\).