How Can You Correct These Physics Calculation Errors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on correcting physics calculation errors related to vector addition and motion dynamics. The first question involves determining the direction and distance a scout troop must walk to return to their starting point after moving in specified directions. The correct approach requires using trigonometric functions and vector components. The second question addresses the speed and acceleration of a car making a turn, where the user miscalculated the average acceleration due to a misunderstanding of velocity changes. The third question pertains to calculating the force exerted by a locomotive on a caboose, which requires applying Newton's second law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition and trigonometry
  • Knowledge of circular motion and angular velocity
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic skills in solving physics problems involving forces and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Review vector addition in physics, focusing on trigonometric applications
  • Study circular motion dynamics and the relationship between speed and acceleration
  • Learn about Newton's second law and its application in force calculations
  • Practice solving physics problems involving multiple forces and friction
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills in kinematics and dynamics.

Ultimeaciax
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Out of 20 review questions, I stuck on this three, please help.

A scout troop is practicing its orienting skills with map and compass. First they walk due east for 1.1 km. Next, they walk 45° west of north for 2.1 km. In what direction must they walk to go directly back to their starting point? How far will they have to walk?Ok for what I did: a: x=1.1, y=0; b:-1.5, 1.5 (using sin(45)=O/2.1) a+b= squareroot of 0.4^2 + 1.5^2 = 1.6 That's how far they have to walk.

Angle = sin^-1=1.1/2.1 = 32degree southeast.


What did I do wrong?

Q2. At t = 0, an automobile traveling north begins to make a turn. It follows one-quarter of the arc of a circle of radius 15.0 m until, at t = 1.6 s, it is traveling east. The car does not alter its speed during the turn. Find (a) the car's speed, (b) the change in its velocity during the turn, and (c) its average acceleration during the turn.

a: 1/4*2*pi*15 / 1.6s = 15m/s
b: sqr(15^2+15^2) = 21 m/s southeast
c: 0, because the speed didn't change so there was no acceleration.


I also got that one wrong. What did I do wrong?

3. A 2.30 kg toy locomotive is pulling a 1.60 kg caboose. The frictional force of the track on the caboose is 0.460 N backward along the track. If the train is accelerating forward at 2.50 m/s2, what is the magnitude of the force exerted by the locomotive on the caboose?
This one I have no idea how to approach it.
 
Last edited:
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Can one help? Maybe just the first question is fine.
 

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