The problem involves determining the x- and y-components of a velocity vector with a magnitude of 100.0 m/s that makes an angle of 160° with the positive x-axis. The subject area pertains to vector decomposition and trigonometry.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the correct interpretation of angles in the Cartesian plane. There is a recognition of confusion regarding the quadrant and the implications of the angle measurement, but no consensus has been reached on the final components.
Some participants express uncertainty about the angle's measurement direction and its relationship to the positive x-axis, leading to potential misinterpretations of the vector's position in the coordinate system.
Welcome to PhysicsForums.PleaseAnswerOnegai said:
Hi! What would the correct sketch look like? While I was sketching it I knew something was fishy and I just had to ask hahahaberkeman said:Welcome to PhysicsForums.
That sketch looks wrong. What line is 180 degrees from the x-axis? So 160 degrees would be pretty close to that line, not vertical like that...
No, usually the angle is measured counterclockwise from the horizontal x-axis. So an angle of 90 degrees is straight up (along the y-axis), and an angle of 180 degrees is pointing left along the -x-axis. So where would 160 degrees counterclockwise from the x-axis be? And what would the x- and y- components of that vector be then?PleaseAnswerOnegai said:
So it would then be on the 2nd Quadrant, correct? What confused me was the usage of "positive x-axis" so I wrongfully assumed that it would be strictly in the 1st Quadrant (where x values are positive). I will solve it and send my answer! :)berkeman said:
PleaseAnswerOnegai said:
It's true that ##\sin(\pi-x)=\sin x##, but ##\cos(\pi-x)=-\cos x##, not ##\cos x##.PleaseAnswerOnegai said: