Math Problem Statement
Here are vectors [\vec v] and [\vec w]. Vector v has magnitude 5 and direction angle 140 degrees. Vector w has magnitude 3 and direction angle 70 degrees. [y] [x] [\vec v] [5] [\vec w] [3] [70^{\circ}] [140\degree] Find the magnitude of the resultant and the angle ( [\theta]) it makes with the positive [x]-axis. Note: Round your final answer to the nearest tenth. [\text{Magnitude} \approx ] [\theta \approx] [\degree]
Solution
To solve for the magnitude of the resultant vector and the angle it makes with the positive x-axis, we can break the vectors and into their components, add the components to find the resultant vector, and then calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant.
Step 1: Find the components of and
- Vector :
- Magnitude = 5
- Direction angle = 140° (measured from the positive x-axis)
The components of are given by:
Using a calculator:
Thus, the components of are:
- Vector :
- Magnitude = 3
- Direction angle = 70°
The components of are:
Using a calculator:
Thus, the components of are:
Step 2: Find the components of the resultant vector
Now, add the components of and to get the components of the resultant vector .
So the resultant vector has components:
Step 3: Calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector
The magnitude of the resultant vector is given by:
Substitute the values:
Thus, the magnitude of the resultant vector is approximately:
Step 4: Calculate the angle of the resultant vector
The angle of the resultant vector with respect to the positive x-axis is given by:
Substitute the values:
Convert this to degrees:
Since the angle is negative, the resultant vector lies in the second quadrant. To get the angle with respect to the positive x-axis, we add 180°:
Thus, the angle of the resultant vector is approximately:
Final Answer:
- Magnitude of the resultant vector:
- Angle with respect to the positive x-axis:
Would you like further clarification or details on any part of the process?
Here are some related questions that may interest you:
- How would the magnitude and direction change if the vectors were at 90° and 45°, respectively?
- What happens to the angle of the resultant if the vectors are orthogonal (at 90° to each other)?
- How can we use vector addition to solve real-world physics problems, like force addition?
- How do you find the resultant of more than two vectors?
- What would the angle of the resultant be if both vectors were pointing in the same direction?
Tip: When calculating angles in trigonometry, be mindful of the quadrant in which the angle lies, especially when using inverse trigonometric functions.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Addition
Vector Components
Trigonometry
Formulas
|\vec{R}| = \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2}
\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{R_y}{R_x}\right)
Theorems
Pythagorean Theorem
Inverse Tangent Function
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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