Help with Combining Oblique Vectors

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In summary, oblique vectors are those that have both horizontal and vertical components and are not parallel or perpendicular to each other. It is important to combine oblique vectors in order to find the resultant vector, which is crucial in fields like physics and engineering. To combine oblique vectors, their horizontal and vertical components can be added using graphical or mathematical methods. The graphical method involves measuring and drawing the vectors, while the mathematical method uses trigonometric functions. Oblique vectors can be combined even if they are in different planes, as vector addition is a commutative operation.
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Ferny84
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Homework Statement


R = 3.5N[350] Q = 2.75N[125] S = 2.15N[0]

R + Q - S

The Attempt at a Solution



Finding x and y for 3.5N[350]
Sin80 = y/3.5 = -3.45
Cos80 = x/3.5 = 0.61

y = -3.45
x = 0.61

Finding x and y for 2.75N[125]
Sin35 = x/2.75 = -1.58
Cos35 = y/2.75 = 2.25

x = -1.58
y = 2.25

Finding x and y for 2.15[0]
x = 0
y = 0
(Since it's at 0)

Rx = 0.61 - 1.58
Rx = -0.97

Ry = -3.45 + 2.25
Ry = -1.2

a^2+b^2 = c^2
c=1.54

Tanθ=0.97/1.2
θ=39°

When I check the answer, it shows 1.67[99.68°] instead of my answer 1.54[39°].

What did I do wrong?
 
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  • #2
Solved it...forgot that 2.15[0] had a x..which is 2.15.
 

1. What are oblique vectors?

Oblique vectors are vectors that are not perpendicular or parallel to each other. They have a combination of both horizontal and vertical components.

2. Why is it important to combine oblique vectors?

Combining oblique vectors allows us to find the resultant vector, which is the combined effect of all the individual vectors. This is important in many scientific fields, such as physics and engineering, where understanding the overall force or motion is crucial.

3. How do you combine oblique vectors?

To combine oblique vectors, you need to find the horizontal and vertical components of each vector and then add them together using vector addition. This can be done graphically or mathematically using trigonometric functions.

4. What is the difference between graphical and mathematical methods of combining oblique vectors?

The graphical method involves drawing the vectors and using a scale to measure their components and then using basic geometry to find the resultant vector. The mathematical method involves using trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine, to find the horizontal and vertical components and then using vector addition to find the resultant vector.

5. Can oblique vectors be combined if they are in different planes?

Yes, oblique vectors can be combined even if they are in different planes. This is because vector addition is a commutative operation, meaning the order of addition does not matter. As long as the horizontal and vertical components are correctly identified and added, the resultant vector will be the same regardless of the planes the vectors are in.

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