How Do You Calculate the Resultant Vector in Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter chocolaterie
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Sum Vector
Click For Summary
To calculate the resultant vector in physics, it's essential to understand the direction of each vector. Vector A is 100 units at 50 degrees, while vector B is 200 units at 270 degrees, which indeed places it on the negative y-axis. The calculations for the resultant vector involve breaking down each vector into its components, with vector B contributing 0 to the x-axis and -200 to the y-axis. The final answers provided for the resultant vector include 139 units at either 62.4 degrees or 297.5 degrees, depending on the reference direction used. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding vector orientation and component analysis in solving such problems.
chocolaterie
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




vector a = 100 units at 50.0 degrees vector b = 200 units at 270 degrees. find r, sketch a,b, r.


The Attempt at a Solution



The part I don't understand is the 270 degrees. Doesn't this cause vector b to lay on the -y axis? I've tried this question and another one like it:

vector a = 10 units at 40 degrees and vector b = 25 units at 180 degrees.

Answers given for

#1: 139 units at 62.4 degrees or 139 units at 297.5 degrees
#2: 18.5 units at 20.4 degrees above -x axis, or 18.5 at 159.7 degrees

This is the first physics class I have ever taken in my life. Help is greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
nevermind, I found a similar question and was able to solve this!

If anyone finds my question:

Bx = 0
By= -200

That should help with the equation.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

How do you find the third vector C in vector addition problems?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Vector Magnitudes and Directions from Given Angles?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
Adding & Subtracting Vectors: How to Determine the Final Vector Result
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
How to calculate vector angles and magnitude
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
How Do You Calculate a Jet's Average Velocity and Change in Velocity?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
How Do Velocity and Acceleration Vectors Interact in Different Scenarios?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Calculating 3D Component Vectors and Resultant Force for Inclined Forces
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
How Are Resultant Vectors Calculated in Croquet Ball Displacements?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
17K
How Do You Calculate the Magnitude of Vector C in Vector Subtraction?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How Do You Solve Vector Problems in Physics?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K