Solving Vector Addition Problems: Rainy Day Velocity Scenario

AI Thread Summary
To solve the vector addition problem involving rain and a car, first convert the car's speed from km/hr to m/s for consistent units. The vertical velocity of the raindrops is given as 9.2 m/s, while the car's speed is 84.0 km/hr, which converts to approximately 23.3 m/s. This creates a right triangle where the raindrop velocity is one side and the car's velocity is the other. The magnitude of the raindrop velocity relative to the car can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, and the angle can be calculated using trigonometric functions. The problem was ultimately resolved by applying these principles correctly.
ars07k
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I'm trying to do my physics homework but I am just not understanding this section on vectors. I don't even know where to begin or what equations to use. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

a) On a rainy day, raindrops fall with a vertical velocity of 9.2 m/s. If a car drives through the rain at 84.0 km/hr, what is the magnitude of the velocity of the raindrops relative to the car?

b)At what angle are the raindrops falling relative to the car? Assume the direction the car is headed is 0° and down is 90°.
 
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The first step is to get both velocities in the same coordinates (km/hr or m/sec). You then have a right triangle with the two given velocities as the sides. The magnitude you want is the hypotenuse. The angle you want is the angle in the right triangle - I am not quite sure which one, but it is probably the one between the hypotenuse and the car direction.
 
just kidding. i figured it out!
 

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