Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude, A, given various options for resultant magnitude and angle. Participants are examining the implications of the angles provided in the problem statement and how they relate to the resultant vector.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express the need for more information, particularly regarding the angle between the two vectors. There is an attempt to eliminate options based on calculations involving the formula for the resultant of two vectors. Some participants question whether the angles provided are indeed the angles between the vectors.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with participants sharing their reasoning and calculations. Some guidance is offered regarding the interpretation of the angles, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may lack clarity, particularly concerning the angles between the vectors and how they relate to the resultant. There is an acknowledgment that the formula used may not align with the angles presented in the problem statement.

gracy
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Homework Statement



Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A is
a) √3 A at 60
b) √2 A at 90
c) 2A at 120
d) A at 180

Homework Equations


When two vectors are of equal magnitudes then their resultant is
##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors . Or we can eliminate options one by one. Answer is both a & b
I tried to cross check it . If the resultant is at 60 it means angle between the vectors we started with is 120 i.e θ =120
if we plug in the numbers
##A_R## = 2A Cos 120/2
= 2A cos 60
= 2A 1/2
= A
which is not equal to √3
Similarly for option b
##A_R## = 2A Cos 180/2
= 2A cos 90
= 2A 0
= 0
I 'll get it correct if I directly put θ=60 & 90 respectively . But as far as I know θ in this formula ##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2 is angle between the two vectors and not the vector and resultant
 
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gracy said:
I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors
Right. The question doesn't make sense.
 
I think you are right - that the angles shown in the problem statement are the original angles between the 2 vectors of magnitude A.
 
gracy said:

Homework Statement



Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A is
a) √3 A at 60
b) √2 A at 90
c) 2A at 120
d) A at 180

Homework Equations


When two vectors are of equal magnitudes then their resultant is
##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors . Or we can eliminate options one by one. Answer is both a & b
I tried to cross check it . If the resultant is at 60 it means angle between the vectors we started with is 120 i.e θ =120
if we plug in the numbers
##A_R## = 2A Cos 120/2
= 2A cos 60
= 2A 1/2
= A
which is not equal to √3
Similarly for option b
##A_R## = 2A Cos 180/2
= 2A cos 90
= 2A 0
= 0
I 'll get it correct if I directly put θ=60 & 90 respectively . But as far as I know θ in this formula ##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2 is angle between the two vectors and not the vector and resultant

I don't see the problem, it seems to me it's giving you the angles between the two vectors to check and what the resultant magnitude should be, so A and B are both correct as you say.
 
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