Magnitude and angle of the displacement vector

Then for part b, the angle would be 90 degrees counterclockwise from the +x direction, making it 270 degrees. And for parts c and d, the magnitude would still be 14 cm and the angles would be 180 degrees and 270 degrees respectively. And for parts e and f, the magnitude would be 14 cm and the angles would be 360 degrees and 270 degrees respectively.In summary, the magnitude of the displacement vector of the tip of the minute hand of a wall clock is 14 cm for all three time intervals. The angle from a quarter after the hour to half
  • #1
tjbateh
86
0

Homework Statement



The minute hand of a wall clock measures 14 cm from its tip to the axis about which it rotates. The magnitude and angle of the displacement vector of the tip are to be determined for three time intervals. What are the (a) magnitude and (b) angle from a quarter after the hour to half past, the (c) magnitude and (d) angle for the next half hour, and the (e) magnitude and (f) angle for the hour after that? Give all angles as positive values measured counterclockwise from the +x direction (to the right, or 3 o'clock).

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to approach this problem. I am confused on the wording of part B..Help anyone?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


well it means that 2:15 to 2:30, you want the angle made from going from 2:15 to 2:30 by the hand
 
  • #3


so wouldn't that angle be 90 degrees? I put that, but It was not correct.
 
  • #4


tjbateh said:
so wouldn't that angle be 90 degrees? I put that, but It was not correct.

that is 90 degrees measuring clockwise, the question said to measure counter-clockwise from the +ve x direction.
 
  • #5


so 270?
 
  • #6


tjbateh said:
so 270?

that is what it looks like it should be
 
  • #7


hmmm..
 

1. What is the definition of magnitude and angle of the displacement vector?

The magnitude of a displacement vector is the length of the vector, which represents the distance between the initial and final positions. The angle of the displacement vector is the direction in which the object moves, measured in degrees or radians.

2. How do you calculate the magnitude and angle of a displacement vector?

To calculate the magnitude of a displacement vector, use the Pythagorean theorem by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of the vector's components. To calculate the angle, use trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.

3. What is the difference between displacement and distance?

Displacement refers to the change in position of an object, while distance refers to the total length traveled by the object. Displacement is a vector quantity, while distance is a scalar quantity.

4. Can the magnitude of a displacement vector be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of a displacement vector can be negative. This indicates that the object has moved in the opposite direction of the initial position. However, the magnitude itself is always positive.

5. How do you represent the magnitude and angle of a displacement vector graphically?

The magnitude of a displacement vector can be represented by the length of the arrow pointing in the direction of the displacement. The angle can be represented by the direction of the arrow in relation to a reference point or axis.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
217
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
12K
Back
Top