/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 1 Two forces have the same magnitu... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Two forces have the same magnitude \(F .\) What is the angle between the two vectors if their sum has a magnitude of (a) 2\(F ?\) (b) \(\sqrt{2} F ?\) (c) zero? Sketch the three vectors in each case.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) 0°, (b) 90°, (c) 180°.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Force Vector Addition

To find the angle between two force vectors with the same magnitude when their sum has a specific magnitude, we will use the formula for the magnitude of the sum of two vectors: \[ |\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2| = \sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2 + 2F_1F_2 \cos(\theta)} \]Since both vectors have the same magnitude, let \( F_1 = F_2 = F \). Thus, we simplify the formula to: \[ |\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2| = \sqrt{2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta)} \]
02

Condition (a): Finding Angle for Sum = 2F

Substitute \(|\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2| = 2F \) in the equation: \[ 2F = \sqrt{2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta)} \]Squaring both sides gives:\[ 4F^2 = 2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \]Solving for \( \cos(\theta) \): \[ 4F^2 - 2F^2 = 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \] \\[ 2F^2 = 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \] \\[ \cos(\theta) = 1 \] \The angle \( \theta \) is \( 0^\circ \), indicating the vectors are in the same direction.
03

Condition (b): Finding Angle for Sum = \sqrt{2}F

Set \(|\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2| = \sqrt{2}F \) and substitute in the equation:\[ \sqrt{2}F = \sqrt{2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta)} \]Squaring both sides, we have:\[ 2F^2 = 2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \]Solving for \( \cos(\theta) \):\[ 0 = 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \]\[ \cos(\theta) = 0 \]This indicates that \( \theta = 90^\circ \); the vectors are perpendicular.
04

Condition (c): Finding Angle for Sum = 0

When \(|\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2| = 0 \), the vectors must cancel each other out. Therefore, we apply the equation:\[ 0 = \sqrt{2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta)} \]Squaring both sides gives:\[ 0 = 2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \]Solving for \( \cos(\theta) \):\[ -2F^2 = 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \]\[ \cos(\theta) = -1 \]Thus, \( \theta = 180^\circ \); the vectors are in opposite directions.

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Key Concepts

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

Understanding Force Vectors
In physics, force vectors are used to describe directional forces experienced by an object. They carry both magnitude and direction, essential for understanding how objects interact. When adding multiple force vectors, their combined effect can vary depending on their respective directions. Each vector is represented as an arrow where:
  • The length of the arrow indicates the force magnitude.
  • The direction of the arrow indicates the force direction.
The addition of force vectors often employs vector geometry principles, creating a resultant vector that represents the total force acting upon the object. Understanding how vector addition works is crucial, especially when determining the magnitude and direction of forces in equilibrium or motion scenarios.
Calculating the Magnitude of Vectors
The magnitude of a vector indicates its size or strength, essentially how much force it carries. For any vector \( \vec{F} \) with components \( (x, y) \), the magnitude \( |\vec{F}| \) is calculated using the formula:
  • \( |\vec{F}| = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} \)
This formula stems from the Pythagorean theorem, considering vectors as sides of a right triangle. For vectors with equal magnitudes, adjustments through trigonometric relationships, such as finding angles between vectors, can help derive results like in our example, where specific conditions lead to unique outcomes:
  • If the sum of two equal vectors is twice their magnitude, they align perfectly, reinforcing each other.
  • If the sum is zero, the vectors fully oppose one another, canceling each other out.
  • A sum of \( \sqrt{2} \) times the magnitude implies a perpendicular relationship, creating a right angle.
Determining the Angle Between Vectors
The angle between two vectors is a critical parameter determining how they interact. Calculating this requires using the cosine rule, where the angle \( \theta \) between two vectors \( \vec{F}_1 \) and \( \vec{F}_2 \) with equal magnitudes \( F \) follows:
  • \( |\vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2|^2 = 2F^2 + 2F^2 \cos(\theta) \)
Solving for the cosine of the angle gives insights into their relationship:
  • If \( \cos(\theta) = 1 \), then \( \theta = 0^\circ \). The vectors point in the same direction, maximizing their combined effect.
  • If \( \cos(\theta) = 0 \), then \( \theta = 90^\circ \). The vectors are perpendicular, resulting in the smallest resultant magnitude for non-opposing forces.
  • If \( \cos(\theta) = -1 \), then \( \theta = 180^\circ \). They oppose each other completely, nullifying the resultant force.
Exploring Vector Geometry
Vector geometry offers a visual and mathematical framework for understanding how vectors behave in space. It involves not only magnitudes and directions but also the relationships between multiple vectors when combined. Through graphical representation, vectors can be added tip-to-tail:
  • Place the tail of the second vector at the tip of the first.
  • The resultant vector spans from the tail of the first to the tip of the second.
In exercises like finding the resultant of two equal force vectors under different conditions, vector geometry aids in visualizing outcomes. Sketching vectors:
  • Helps understand alignment for \( \theta = 0^\circ \) with maximum addition.
  • Showcases the perpendicular arrangement at \( \theta = 90^\circ \) for minimal non-zero resultant.
  • Clearly contrasts opposite vectors at \( \theta = 180^\circ \) when they cancel each other.
Visual aids and geometric interpretations solidify the understanding of vector addition, critical when examining forces and movements in physics.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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