Finding the magnitude (length) and direction (angle) of a vector

  • #1
Ineedhelpwithphysics
42
7
Homework Statement
In the Picture
Relevant Equations
Pythagoras theorem, inverse tan function
1697566568581.png

So i found the magnitude which is
(-1)^2 + (-2)^2 = P^2 =
Sqrt(5)

Then I used the inverse tan function to find the angle (direction)
theta = arctan (-2/-1) = 63.8 degrees

Im confused with my 63.8 degrees since the angle in the graph looks greater than 63.4 degrees

I subtracted 180 by 63.8 and got 116.6

Since it's going clock wise it's -116.6

Am i right?
 
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  • #2
Ineedhelpwithphysics said:
Homework Statement: In the Picture
Relevant Equations: Pythagoras theorem, inverse tan function

View attachment 333724
So i found the magnitude which is
(-1)^2 + (-2)^2 = P^2 =
Sqrt(5)

Then I used the inverse tan function to find the angle (direction)
theta = arctan (-2/-1) = 63.8 degrees

Im confused with my 63.8 degrees since the angle in the graph looks greater than 63.4 degrees

I subtracted 180 by 63.8 and got 116.6

Since it's going clock wise it's -116.6

Am i right?
You are not right. Remember ##~\text{tan} =\dfrac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}.##
 
  • #3
Ineedhelpwithphysics said:
Homework Statement: In the Picture
Relevant Equations: Pythagoras theorem, inverse tan function

View attachment 333724
So i found the magnitude which is
(-1)^2 + (-2)^2 = P^2 =
Sqrt(5)

Then I used the inverse tan function to find the angle (direction)
theta = arctan (-2/-1) = 63.8 degrees

Im confused with my 63.8 degrees since the angle in the graph looks greater than 63.4 degrees

I subtracted 180 by 63.8 and got 116.6

Since it's going clock wise it's -116.6

Am i right?

Hi,
1698138797220.png

In your case, + or - π will give you the right answer ;)
 

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1. What is a vector and how is it different from a scalar?

A vector is a mathematical quantity that has both magnitude (length) and direction. This is different from a scalar, which only has magnitude and no direction.

2. How do you find the magnitude of a vector?

The magnitude of a vector can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In other words, the magnitude of a vector is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of its components.

3. How do you find the direction of a vector?

The direction of a vector can be found using trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent. These functions can be used to determine the angle between the vector and a reference axis, usually the positive x-axis.

4. Can a vector have a negative magnitude?

No, a vector cannot have a negative magnitude. Magnitude is a measure of length, which is always a positive value. However, the direction of a vector can be negative if it points in the opposite direction of the reference axis.

5. How are vectors represented and manipulated in mathematical equations?

Vectors are typically represented using boldface letters or with an arrow above the letter. They can be manipulated in mathematical equations using vector operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication. These operations follow specific rules and properties that govern vector algebra.

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