Finding the y- component of velocity

[seallen]

Homework Statement

A boat moves at an angle of 60° to a horizontal line. The x component of the boat's velocity is 5 m/s. What is its y component of velocity?
Question 25 answers

10 m/s

10 √3 m/s

5 √3 m/s

5 m/s

Homework Equations

How exactly do I find the y-component for this problem?

The Attempt at a Solution

I originally drew a diagram of a triangle and came up with the equation cos 60=x/5, when I tried to solve for x I got 2.5 m/s. This isn't one of the solutions available so I am thinking I'm not using the correct equation.

 

[Flipmeister]

cos 60 should be equal to the vector adjacent to the 60 degree angle divided by the hypotenuse. You're looking for the vector opposite from the angle, so there's a different operation for that.

 

[Liquidxlax]

cos 60 should be equal to the vector adjacent to the 60 degree angle divided by the hypotenuse. You're looking for the vector opposite from the angle, so there's a different operation for that.

i would start out with a diagram, showing the angle and x and y velocities.

it makes the trig much easier

 

[mrcotton]

Hi,
as your not given the hypotenuse your are only given an angle and the x component you need to use the tangent function

SOH CAH TOA

This then becomes 5 * Tan(60) = the y component you are after.

I hope that helps and more importantly I hope I am right
thanks
Mr C