Need help with finding angles RE: finding vector components

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding vector components and resultant displacement in a homework problem. The user expresses confusion about when to add 180 degrees to angles and how to correctly break down distances into x and y components. They correctly calculated the x and y components for one distance but questioned the angle for a fourth vector, which is confirmed to be 60 degrees from the horizontal. Clarification on angle assignments is sought to avoid mistakes in future exams. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurate vector analysis in physics.
mizzy
Messages
217
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



See attached photo. Find the resultant displacement measured from the starting point.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



When it comes to angles, i sometimes get confused when to add 180 or not. FOr the first two distances, we don't have to find the components. For the last, we have to break it up into x and y components.

for the third distance:
x component = -150cos30
y component = 150sin30

IN MY ASSIGNMENT, I GOT THIS WRONG.

for the fourth distance:
isn't the angle 60 degrees??

Can someone help me get this straight about assigning angles? I don't want to make a mistake on the final exam.

THANKS
 

Attachments

  • untitled.JPG
    untitled.JPG
    11.5 KB · Views: 388
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes the fourth vector has an angle of 60 degrees from the horizontal. Your work is fine so far.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
Replies
3
Views
1K
Diffrence between resolving vector to components and find projections
Replies
4
Views
1K
Am I Calculating the Components of V3 Correctly?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Confusion with force components
Replies
21
Views
2K
Calculating Vector Components with given Magnitude and Direction
Replies
11
Views
2K
Finding z component of a unit vector
Replies
2
Views
3K
Finding the direction of an angle in the unit circle
Replies
2
Views
2K
Map question involving vectors (find the angle)
Replies
13
Views
2K
Inelastic 2D Collision with Vector Components
Replies
7
Views
2K
Finding Vector Components Using Angle and Magnitude | Vector A along Vector B
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top