Subtracting/multiply vector clarification on worked problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter rfig08d
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vector
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on clarifying vector addition and multiplication in a physics problem involving two vectors, A and B. The user calculates the components of vector C for both addition and subtraction scenarios but initially misapplies the scaling factor for vector B. It is confirmed that after multiplying vector B by 4, the user should treat the resulting components as part of an addition equation for vector C. The importance of correctly identifying the components of vector B before performing the calculations is emphasized. Overall, the user gains clarity on how to approach the problem correctly.
rfig08d
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hello! I've been studying for physics and come across a problem that I've been working on from the textbook. I would just like some clarification as we have not fully covered this subject yet in the class sessions.

Homework Statement


A vector, Avector, has a magnitude of 15 w/ an angle of 25deg with x-axis, vector B has a length of 25 and makes an angle of 70 deg with x-axis. Compute the magnitudes and directions of the vectors: Cvector = Avector + 4*Bvector and Cvector = Avector - Bvector


Homework Equations


Problem 1: Cx = Ax - Bx and Cy = Ay - By

Problem 2: Bx = KAx and By = KAy


The Attempt at a Solution



For the 1st problem:

Ax = 13.6
Bx= 8.6
Ay = 6.3
By = 23.5
Leads to Cx = 5, Cy = -17.2
Size of Cvector = 17.9 from Pythagorean theorem
Angle of cvector = arctan (Cy/Cx) = -73.8

For the 2nd problem:

Bx = KAx = 4(13.6)= 54.4
By = KAy = 4(6.3) = 25.2

Now question here, since I have the multiplied 4B components, do I just treat the rest of the problem as an addition equation? So:

Cx = Ax + Bx and Cy = Ay + By

Cx = 13.6 + 54.4 = 68
Cy = 6.3 + 25.2 = 31.5


thank you for any help :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
rfig08d said:
Ax = 13.6
Bx= 8.6
Ay = 6.3
By = 23.5
Leads to Cx = 5, Cy = -17.2
Size of Cvector = 17.9 from Pythagorean theorem
Angle of cvector = arctan (Cy/Cx) = -73.8
Looks OK.
For the 2nd problem:

Bx = KAx = 4(13.6)= 54.4
By = KAy = 4(6.3) = 25.2
Why are you using the components of A? If B = (8.6, 23.5), then KB = (K*8.6, K*23.5).

Now question here, since I have the multiplied 4B components, do I just treat the rest of the problem as an addition equation?
Yes you do, but you need to find the correct vector for 4B.
 
Oh wow, can't believe I didn't notice that beforehand.

I overlooked it because I was reading the textbook and saw the formula for multiple vectors of Bx = KAx.

Thanks for the help, greatly appreciate it!:)
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
18K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
Replies
1
Views
2K