How do I find the components of a vector parallel to the x-axis?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jpierson
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Components Vector
AI Thread Summary
To find the components of a vector parallel to the x-axis, recognize that it will only have an x component and no y component. The x component is equal to the length of the vector itself. Trigonometric functions are not necessary in this case since the vector's direction is aligned with the x-axis. This simplifies the calculation, as the y component is zero. Understanding this concept is crucial for solving related physics problems effectively.
jpierson
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi --

I'm working on a physics problem that involves adding several vectors. I know that to find the components of a vector you must do some trig with the angle the vector makes with the x-axis. However, one of the vectors is parallel to the x-axis (but not actually laying ON the x-axis). I'm not sure where to go from there; how to find its components. I tried a few things, but none of them seem to give me the correct answer.

Can anyone help me out with this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The vector will simply have an x component and no y component.
 
Hmm, ok. Will the x component just be the length of the vector then?
 
Yes, you're right.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Can A Vector Have Components Of Say Y or Z in the X-Hat Direction?
Replies
8
Views
904
Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
Replies
3
Views
1K
Am I Calculating the Components of V3 Correctly?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Question about vector components
Replies
5
Views
2K
Confusion with force components
Replies
21
Views
2K
Torque on a Circular Current Loop under a Misaligned Magnetic Field
Replies
1
Views
996
Writing a vector parallel and normal to a unit vector ##\hat n##
Replies
26
Views
1K
Find Angular Velocity for Moving Particle Parallel to x-Axis
Replies
11
Views
2K
Calculating Vector Components with given Magnitude and Direction
Replies
11
Views
2K
How to define vectors in spherical coordinate system?
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top