Magnitude and angle of vector sum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude and angle of the resultant force from two vectors: a 200 N force at 60 degrees and a 300 N force in the negative x-direction. Participants clarify how to find the x and y components of each force using trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine. The resultant magnitude is determined using the Pythagorean theorem, yielding a value of 100√7 N, while the angle with respect to the positive x-axis is calculated to be 139.1 degrees. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying vector components and applying trigonometric principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components and their calculations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions: sine and cosine
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem for magnitude calculation
  • Ability to interpret angles in different quadrants
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector decomposition techniques in physics
  • Learn about the law of cosines for vector addition
  • Explore the application of the tangent function in angle calculations
  • Review the concept of vector direction and quadrant analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and mathematics who require a solid understanding of vector analysis and force calculations.

  • #31
I thought this was a standard physics question in which the answer would have been 40.9 or 49.1, but I just re-read the question: "angle it makes with the positive x-axis." So yes, your answer was what they were looking for :D
 
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  • #32
ineedhelpnow said:
Rido the back of the book says 139.1 (Dull) lol

I only read:

Rido12 said:
So yes, 139.1 is right

(Rofl)
 
  • #33
@ILS lol you're hilarious

@Rido but wouldn't the answer be 139 no matter what because it was -41. not 41. i suppose the answer could be left as -1 but that's the same as 139 (Wondering)
 
  • #34
(Giggle)
@ILS
It's been a while since I actually read the question, so I was convinced 40.1 was the right answer...so while I was writing my answer, I realized that I got 139.1 too (Rofl) But I was too lazy to erase what I had already said (Nod)

@ineedhelpnow, in physics, they don't care about the angle 139.1. they care more about the related acute angle from the horizontal or vertical axis. The related acute is a positive angle.
 
  • #35
Rido12 said:
(Giggle)@ineedhelpnow, in physics, they don't care about the angle 139.1. they care more about the related acute angle from the horizontal or vertical axis. The related acute is a positive angle.

it shouldn't be much of a surprise when i say that I am terrible at physics... (Blush)
 

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