Find Delta r for Particle Displacement of 65m in 41° Direction

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement vector Delta r for a particle that moves 65 meters at an angle of 41° below the x-axis. The correct approach involves using trigonometric functions to find both the x and y components of the displacement. The x-component is calculated as cos(41°) * 65, resulting in approximately 48 meters. The y-component, which must account for the downward direction, is calculated as -sin(41°) * 65, yielding a negative value due to the displacement being below the x-axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions: sine and cosine
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with angles in standard position
  • Basic skills in resolving vectors into components
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Study the unit circle and its application in trigonometry
  • Explore the concept of angles measured in standard position
  • Investigate the use of trigonometric identities in vector calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and vector analysis, as well as anyone needing to understand displacement and vector resolution in two dimensions.

IUBritt09
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hey! I have been trying this problem forever and can't seem to figure out the answer for y. I thought that I was supposed to take sin(41)*65?? But that answer keeps coming up as wrong?? Any help would be amazing!

A particle undergoes a displacement of magnitude 65 m in a direction 41° below the x axis. Express in terms of the unit vectors y and x.

find: Delta r= _____X + ______y

I am unsure how to fingue out how to get my y value. For x I took cos(41)*65=48, but I am unable to figure out how to find y?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you taken into account the fact that the particle was displaced below the x-axis and thus y is negative?
 
That problem would not occur if you took 41 degrees below the x axis, as 319 degrees absolute.
 

Similar threads

Net Displacement: Calculate x,y & r,θ
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculate the displacement? (Projectile motion problem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
2 Masses and a Wheel (with mass)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
How to know 'the displacement of a particle is 'negative'?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Force on a charge from a nearby charged rod
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Map question involving vectors (find the angle)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Changes in Particle Speed in Circular Motion?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Textbook 'The Physics of Waves': Varying Force Amplitude
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Particle acceleration/displacement question
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Car collision: decomposing momentum in x- and y-direction
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K