Math Problem Statement

Two vectors are given below. Determine the magnitude in N of the resultant sum of the two vectors.

A = 80.3 N, 74.0 degrees above the positive x-axis

B = 83.1 N, 67.5 degrees above the negative x-axis

Solution

To find the magnitude of the resultant vector RR from the sum of two vectors AA and BB, we first need to break down each vector into its components along the xx-axis and yy-axis, and then sum these components.

Step 1: Components of vector AA

The magnitude of vector AA is 80.3 N and the angle is 74.0° above the positive xx-axis. The components are:

  • Ax=Acos(θA)=80.3cos(74.0)A_x = A \cdot \cos(\theta_A) = 80.3 \cdot \cos(74.0^\circ)
  • Ay=Asin(θA)=80.3sin(74.0)A_y = A \cdot \sin(\theta_A) = 80.3 \cdot \sin(74.0^\circ)

Step 2: Components of vector BB

The magnitude of vector BB is 83.1 N and the angle is 67.5° above the negative xx-axis. Since it is on the negative xx-axis, the components will be:

  • Bx=Bcos(θB)=83.1cos(18067.5)=83.1cos(112.5)B_x = B \cdot \cos(\theta_B) = 83.1 \cdot \cos(180^\circ - 67.5^\circ) = 83.1 \cdot \cos(112.5^\circ)
  • By=Bsin(θB)=83.1sin(112.5)B_y = B \cdot \sin(\theta_B) = 83.1 \cdot \sin(112.5^\circ)

Step 3: Sum of the components

To find the resultant vector RR, sum the components:

  • Rx=Ax+BxR_x = A_x + B_x
  • Ry=Ay+ByR_y = A_y + B_y

Step 4: Magnitude of the resultant vector

The magnitude of the resultant vector is given by:

R=Rx2+Ry2|R| = \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2}

Now, let's calculate these values.The magnitude of the resultant vector is approximately 154.3N154.3 \, \text{N}.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the direction of the resultant vector?
  2. Can you explain the significance of vector components in physics?
  3. What happens if both vectors lie along the same axis?
  4. How would the problem change if one of the angles was negative?
  5. Can vectors have a negative magnitude?

Tip: When working with vectors, always break them into their components for easier calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Ax = A * cos(θA)
Ay = A * sin(θA)
Bx = B * cos(θB)
By = B * sin(θB)
Resultant Magnitude: |R| = √(Rx² + Ry²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12