Calculate the components of the vector

[MoreZitiPlease]

Homework Statement

Calculate the components of the vector representing a velocity of 40m/s and an 55 degree angle.

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

180-55=125
40(sin125)=33
40(cos125)=-23
(-23,33)m/sec

correct?

 

[rock.freak667]

Why did you take 180-55?

you could have just used the 55 degree angle...but it is still correct...

 

[MoreZitiPlease]

not really..

40cos125=-23
40cos55=23

two diffferent answers

 

[rock.freak667]

...you would get the same resultant...but the vectors are the same, just in opposite directions

 

[amolv06]

I suppose it depends on what orientation you use, but generally I would have thought that cos(55) would be what was being asked for.

 

[FedEx]

not really..

40cos125=-23
40cos55=23

two diffferent answers

The answers would be definitely coming different. As you are using two different vectors. Why are you doing 180 - 55.Its just 55. And doing so you will get its x and y components.
When you take 180 - 55 then you are taking a vector which is in the second quadrant which is different from the vector in the first quadrant.And we want to find the component of the vector which is in the first quadrant.

 

[MoreZitiPlease]

so I should use 55? In my textbook it showed 180-55, that's why I used 125. But that example involved a car route or something.

 

[cristo]

so I should use 55? In my textbook it showed 180-55, that's why I used 125. But that example involved a car route or something.

Yes, you should use 55.

This is a prime example of focusing too much on equations and trying to follow previous methods without actually thinking physically about what you are trying to do.

Draw a right angled triangle, with the bottom angle of 55 degrees, and the length of the hypotenuse as 40. Now, the x and y components are the horizontal and vertical sides of the triangle, respectively. You should be able to use trigonometry on this triangle in order to find the components.

 

[MoreZitiPlease]

ok, thx