Resultant velocity from easterly and northerly components

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the resultant velocity of a car given its easterly and northerly components, specifically focusing on the magnitude and direction of the velocity vector. The subject area includes vector analysis and trigonometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to find the magnitude of a vector from its components and explore the relationship between the components and the resultant vector. Some participants suggest using the Pythagorean theorem to conceptualize the problem, while others express confusion about the formulas involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts related to vector magnitude and direction. Some participants have offered formulas for calculating the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector, while others are still seeking clarification and understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding, with some indicating confusion about the mathematical concepts and formulas necessary to solve the problem. There is a hint that trigonometry is required, but not all participants are comfortable with this approach.

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The easterly and northerly components of a car’s velocity are 24 m/s and 30 m/s, respectively. In what direction and with what speed is the car moving? In other words, what is car’s velocity. Hint: this question requires input from Trigonometry for the right angle triangle.
Thus, the car was moving with the velocity of 38 m/s [E510N] (or, to the north of due east).


I have no clue with this one ... can someone please help me?..
 
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Velocity is a vector and we're given the components of the velocity vector. How do we find the magnitude of a vector?
 
I don't know T.T
 
Ok, forget about velocity for a second. Say we move 24m east, then move 30m north what's the total distance we have gone? On a coordinate system say we started at (0,0) now we're at (24,30) right? How do we find the total distance?
 
what about thinking it as pathagorean theorem. Hypotenuse?
 
Is there like a formula or something...? because its really confusing..
 
The magnitude of a vector is the square root of the sum of its components squared. I'm sure you're confused by now, I know I'd be, so here's a usefull formula you should remember:

[tex]\vec v = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}[/tex]
 
We can use the distance formula which (kinda what antineutron is saying) will give us the distance.

Magnitude: [tex]|\vec v| = \sqrt{v_x^2+v_y^2}[/tex]

Direction: [tex]\theta = \arctan{\frac{v_y}{v_x}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
ok i thinkk i get it ... Thank youvery much everyone. ^^
 

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