Finding the Resultant Angle for Vector Addition Using Law of Sines and Cosines

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the graphical solution of vector addition, specifically focusing on determining the necessary angle for applying the law of sines and cosines. Participants explore methods for finding the resultant vector and its angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help with solving a vector addition problem graphically, indicating an intention to use the law of sines and cosines.
  • Another participant suggests placing the tail of one vector at the tip of another to perform vector addition, prompting a question about the method of vector addition.
  • There is a mention of the triangle rule for vector addition, but uncertainty remains about identifying the correct angle to use.
  • A participant notes the angles of the vectors relative to the horizontal, providing specific angle measures and suggesting that the difference between these angles represents the angle between the two vectors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the proper angle to use in vector addition, and multiple approaches to the problem are discussed without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the steps needed to find the necessary angle for vector addition, and there may be dependencies on specific definitions or assumptions about the vectors involved.

bergausstein
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please help me solve the problem graphically,

what I know is that eventually I 'm going to be using law of sine and law of cosine for this problem. my problem is how to determine the necessary angle to be used in that method.

this is how far I can get to, I use parallelogram rule and I'm stuck. please help.

find R and $\theta_R$
 

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If you put the tail of $\vec{F}_2$ on the tip of $\vec{F}_1$, you can perform vector addition, right? How do you perform vector addition?
 
Ackbach said:
If you put the tail of $\vec{F}_2$ on the tip of $\vec{F}_1$, you can perform vector addition, right? How do you perform vector addition?

triangle rule
 
yes using triangle I can add them. But I can't see the proper angle to be use in doing that. please tell me how go about finding that angle.
 
bergausstein said:
yes using triangle I can add them. But I can't see the proper angle to be use in doing that. please tell me how go about finding that angle.
You know that the angle between $\vec{F_1}$ and the horizontal is $30^\circ$. The angle between $\vec{F_2}$ and the horizontal is $45^\circ + 90^\circ$. The difference between those two angles is the angle between $\vec{F_1}$ and $\vec{F_2}$.
 

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