Math Problem Statement

Vectors A and B have equal magnitudes of 4.92. If the sum of A and B is the vector 7.14j, determine the angle between A and B

Solution

We are given two vectors A\mathbf{A} and B\mathbf{B}, each with magnitude 4.92, and their sum results in 7.14j^7.14\hat{j}. We need to determine the angle between them.

Step 1: Represent the vectors in components

Assume the two vectors have equal magnitudes and form an angle θ\theta with each other.

Let A\mathbf{A} and B\mathbf{B} have the following forms: A=4.92(cosθi^+sinθj^)\mathbf{A} = 4.92(\cos\theta \hat{i} + \sin\theta \hat{j}) B=4.92(cosϕi^+sinϕj^)\mathbf{B} = 4.92(\cos\phi \hat{i} + \sin\phi \hat{j}) Since A+B=7.14j^\mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} = 7.14\hat{j}, we know the ii-components cancel each other out and the jj-components sum to 7.14.

Step 2: Set up the equations

  • For the ii-components: 4.92cosθ+4.92cosϕ=0cosθ+cosϕ=04.92\cos\theta + 4.92\cos\phi = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \cos\theta + \cos\phi = 0 Since θ\theta and ϕ\phi are symmetric, θ=ϕ\theta = -\phi, so cosθ=cosϕ\cos\theta = -\cos\phi.

  • For the jj-components: 4.92sinθ+4.92sinϕ=7.14sinθ+sinϕ=7.144.92=1.454.92\sin\theta + 4.92\sin\phi = 7.14 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \sin\theta + \sin\phi = \frac{7.14}{4.92} = 1.45 Since θ=ϕ\theta = -\phi, we have sinθ=sinϕ\sin\theta = \sin\phi. Thus, we can write: 2sinθ=1.45sinθ=0.7252\sin\theta = 1.45 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \sin\theta = 0.725

Step 3: Solve for θ\theta

Taking the inverse sine of both sides: θ=sin1(0.725)46.6\theta = \sin^{-1}(0.725) \approx 46.6^\circ

Thus, the angle between the two vectors is 2θ=2×46.6=93.22\theta = 2 \times 46.6^\circ = 93.2^\circ.

Final Answer:

The angle between vectors A\mathbf{A} and B\mathbf{B} is approximately 93.293.2^\circ.

Would you like more details on any step? Here are some follow-up questions to further explore:

  1. How does vector addition work in component form?
  2. What are other ways to find angles between vectors?
  3. How can we apply the dot product to solve similar problems?
  4. How does the inverse sine function behave in different quadrants?
  5. What is the geometric interpretation of adding two vectors?

Tip: When working with vector addition, always break the vectors into their components to simplify the process of solving.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Component Form of Vectors

Formulas

Vector addition in component form: A_x + B_x = 0, A_y + B_y = resultant
Sine function: sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse
Inverse sine: θ = sin⁻¹(value)

Theorems

Trigonometric Identities
Law of Sines
Properties of Vectors

Suitable Grade Level

High School (Grades 10-12)