Finding Magnitude and Angle of Vectors A & B

In summary, given two vectors A and B with magnitudes of 16 and 12 units respectively, we need to find the magnitude of their sum when the angle between them is 120 degrees. However, since the vectors are not in a right triangle, the Pythagorean theorem cannot be used. Therefore, we need to find another method to solve this problem.
  • #1
magellaniic
4
0
Two vectors A and B have magnitudes A=16 and B=12 units respectively.

A. Find the magnitude of the sum A+B if the angle between the two vectors is 120 degrees.

B. find the angle between the two vectors if the difference A-B has magnitude of 16 units.

Could someone please do a step by step for these two questions? at least the first one.

Thanks very very much!
 
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  • #2


magellaniic said:
Two vectors A and B have magnitudes A=16 and B=12 units respectively.

A. Find the magnitude of the sum A+B if the angle between the two vectors is 120 degrees.

B. find the angle between the two vectors if the difference A-B has magnitude of 16 units.

Could someone please do a step by step for these two questions? at least the first one.

Thanks very very much!

As this is in the homework section, I assume that this is class work. As such, we are more than willing to help, but will not do the work for you.

What equations do you think apply here?

Can you show us your work up to the point that you get stuck? That will let us know how to help you best.
 
  • #3


It's not actually a homework problem.

I honestly have no idea how to do the problem.

First thing i though of was to draw a triangle with an angle of 120 degrees. Tried to use Pythagorean theorem but then realized it wasn't a right triangle.

so i really have no clue :(
 

1. What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical representation of a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is typically represented as an arrow pointing in a specific direction with a specific length.

2. How do you find the magnitude of a vector?

The magnitude of a vector is the length of the arrow representing the vector. To find the magnitude, you can use the Pythagorean theorem by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of the vector's components.

3. What is the angle of a vector?

The angle of a vector is the direction in which the vector is pointing. It is typically measured in degrees or radians from a fixed reference point, such as the positive x-axis.

4. How do you find the angle between two vectors?

To find the angle between two vectors, you can use the dot product formula: cosθ = (A · B) / (|A| * |B|), where A and B are the two vectors and |A| and |B| are their respective magnitudes.

5. What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a quantity that has only magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. Scalars are represented by a single number, while vectors are represented by an arrow with a specific length and direction.

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