SUMMARY
Vectors with angles greater than 180 degrees can indeed have negative components depending on their direction. In the case of a vector measuring 260 km at 48 degrees south of east, the components are calculated using the sine and cosine functions. The convention used states that counterclockwise angles are positive while clockwise angles are negative. Therefore, the vertical component (V_y) is negative, reflecting the southward direction, while the horizontal component (V_x) remains positive, indicating the eastward direction.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of vector components and their calculations
- Familiarity with trigonometric functions: sine and cosine
- Knowledge of angle measurement conventions in physics
- Basic grasp of Cartesian coordinate systems
NEXT STEPS
- Study vector decomposition techniques in physics
- Learn about the unit circle and its application in trigonometry
- Explore the concept of angles in different quadrants
- Investigate the implications of negative vector components in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly in mechanics, as well as anyone interested in understanding vector analysis and trigonometric applications in two-dimensional space.