Phys/trig Q?s why are they wrong

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on resolving vector components in physics and trigonometry, specifically using the SOH CAH TOA method. The user incorrectly calculated vertical and horizontal components for three problems from the SFHS99 textbook. The correct approach involves using the formulas Vx = V cos θ for horizontal components and Vy = V sin θ for vertical components, while also considering the direction of the angles. The correct answers for the problems are provided as (+98.48, -17.36), (3.26 E, 1.25 N), and (+25.25, +24.38).

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  • Understanding of vector components and their significance in physics.
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  • Knowledge of polar angles and their application in vector resolution.
  • Ability to interpret problems graphically to visualize angles and directions.
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  • Study the concept of component vector sum and how to resolve vectors into their components.
  • Practice using Vx = V cos θ and Vy = V sin θ with various angles and magnitudes.
  • Learn about polar coordinates and their application in physics problems.
  • Explore graphical methods for solving vector problems, including drawing diagrams to clarify direction and magnitude.
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Students studying physics or trigonometry, educators teaching vector resolution, and anyone needing to improve their skills in solving problems involving angles and displacements.

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1. [SFHS99 3.P.23.] A submarine dives 100.0 m at an angle of 10.0° below the horizontal. What are the horizontal and vertical components of the submarine's displacement? (Assume that upward and the direction of the submarine's horizontal motion are positive.)

what i got

_98.48_m (horizontal) << correct
_17.36_ m (vertical) << wrong?

3. [SFHS99 3.P.26.] A person walks 21.0° north of east for 3.50 km. How far would another person walk due north and due east to arrive at the same location?
____?____km north
__1.25___ km east <wrong


4. [SFHS99 3.P.27.] A roller coaster travels 35.1 m at an angle of 44.0° above the horizontal.

How far does it move horizontally?
___24.4___ m <wrong
How far doe it move vertically?
__?___m

thanks i have been using Soh Cah Toa for the trig stuff so i ithnk itts right if I am missing a step plaese explain thanks a lot
 
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On number one, the angle is 10 degrees below the horizontal. That means your vertical component is negative.

On the other two, try drawing the problem out on paper. You're mixing up your components.

For example, the second problem is 21 degrees north of east. You solved for 21 degrees east of north.

In other words, you probably have the trig part down, but you need to work on defining the problem you're trying to solve.
 
Last edited:
What you are calculating (the x displacemnt and y displacement) is called component vector sum or resolving the vector into its components. For the X or horizontal component use [Vx = V cos theta] and for the y or vertical component use [Vy = V sin theta].
Note: North is +y, south is -y, east is +x, west is -x
Use Polar Angles for all problems.
make sure you get the +direction and - direction correct

Answers (rectangular coordinates):
1. (+98.48 -17.36)
2. (3.26 E, 1.25 N)
3. (+25.25, +24.38)
 

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