Resultant displacment and magnitude

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of the second displacement in a vector problem involving a mop being pushed across the floor. The first displacement is 235 cm at an angle of 131° with the positive x-axis, while the resultant displacement is 215 cm at an angle of 49° to the positive x-axis. The correct approach involves using the equation R=√(A²+B²-2AB(cos(Φ))) and understanding vector components to find the second displacement accurately.

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Homework Statement


A man pushes a mop across the floor causes the mop to undergo two displacements. The first has a magnitude of 235cm and makes an angle of 131⁰ with the positive x-axis.

The resultant displacement has a magnitude of 215cm and is directed at an angle of 49⁰ to the positive x-axis.

Find the magnitude of the second displacement. Answer in units of cm.

Homework Equations



R=√(Aˆ2+Bˆ2-2AB(cos(Φ)))

Sinβ=B/R(Sin(Φ))

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried using the above equation and not getting the right answer.
What am i doing wrong?
I set
R=215
A=235
B=X second displacement
Φ=49⁰
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A+B=R implies B=R-A. Find the x and y components of R and A, then recall how to subtract two vectors when you know their components.
 

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