Is My Approach to Solving This Complex Physics Problem Correct?

  • Thread starter Thread starter phunphysics2
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex physics problem involving vector calculations, as indicated by the original poster's request for feedback on their approach and the attached graphic. Participants are exploring the accuracy of angle measurements and resultant vector calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks validation of their method and calculations, while some participants question the necessity of their approach and suggest alternative methods, such as directly adding vectors. There is also a discussion about the correctness of the angles used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing feedback and suggestions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the approach to vector addition, and there is a shared interest in confirming the correctness of the identified city based on the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of instructor preferences for showing all work, which may influence the original poster's approach. The discussion includes uncertainty regarding the angles used in calculations and the resultant vector's implications.

phunphysics2
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
Greetings Fellow Physics adorers,

I was wondering if someone could please help me with the problem attached (I took a picture of it because it contains a complex graphic).

I would just like someone to please look at it and see if I am on the right track to solving it. I attached a picture of my work.

Any and all helps, tips, comments, suggestions are much appreciated.

Thank you!
 

Attachments

  • 2012-09-14 09.18.40-1.jpg
    2012-09-14 09.18.40-1.jpg
    33.3 KB · Views: 430
  • 2012-09-14 09.17.28-1.jpg
    2012-09-14 09.17.28-1.jpg
    20.5 KB · Views: 399
Physics news on Phys.org
ATTN: I think I caught my error.
Should I be using -45, 154, and -72 degrees instead of the ones I used above?

With those new angles, I got my x to be -16.97 and y to be -24.17 and my resultant vector to be 29.53 and my city to be WALPOLE
 
Last edited:
Why don't you simply add all the three vectors directly? There's not really a need for any such calculations.
 
Looking at it quickly, it looks like it could be Dedham.

EDIT: At a closer look, Walpole seems correct.
 
Greetings Ripe,

Thank you very much for your rapid response.


1. Our instructor likes to see all of that worked out like that.

2. Thanks for your comment about the city. I am glad you also think it is Walpole. (makes me feel better inside since I don't have the answer in the back of the book to check :smile: )
 

Similar threads

Is My Approach to Calculating Relative Velocity Correct?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Is My Calculation of Work Along a Defined Curve Correct?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
876
Why Did My Second Approach to Finding the Block's Acceleration Fail?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Planar pendulum with rotating pivot
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
988
The angle at which a skier will leave the sphere
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Check Vector Work: Physics Problem Help
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Tension Question for Ship Container and Wind Gust
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
NTC thermistor heat dissapation calculation with graphs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Textbook 'The Physics of Waves': Calculating Work Done by Force
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Dynamics of Circular Motion
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K