- #1
-EquinoX-
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Homework Statement
Give the components of the velocity vector for wind blowing at 12 km/hr toward the southeast
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
12cos(45)i - 12sin(45)j
Isn't this right?
Yes, I was sure you mean those directions, but it is not universally understood that i-EquinoX- said:i is the vector direction that represents the x-axis and y is the vector direction that represents the y axis.
and yes those components are also velocities
A vector in physics is a mathematical quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. It is represented by an arrow pointing in the direction of the vector with a length proportional to its magnitude. Vectors are used to describe physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and force.
To solve a vector problem in physics, you need to follow a few steps. First, identify the given quantities and the unknown quantity. Then, draw a vector diagram and label all the vectors with their magnitudes and directions. Next, use trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem to find the components of the vectors. Finally, use vector addition and subtraction to find the resultant vector, which represents the answer to the problem.
A scalar is a physical quantity that has only magnitude (size) and no direction. Examples of scalars include temperature, mass, and time. On the other hand, a vector has both magnitude and direction. Examples of vectors include displacement, velocity, and force. Scalars are represented by a single number, while vectors are represented by an arrow.
Yes, you can use any units for vectors in physics as long as they are consistent. This means that all the vectors in a problem should have the same units. For example, if one vector is given in meters and another in kilometers, you need to convert them both to either meters or kilometers before performing any calculations.
Vectors are essential in physics because they allow us to describe physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and force accurately. They also help us understand the relationship between different physical quantities and how they affect each other. Vectors are used in many real-world applications, such as engineering, navigation, and sports, to analyze and solve problems.