Vector Addition: Components with Given Directions and Magnitudes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector addition, specifically determining the sum of two vectors given their magnitudes and directions. The vectors in question are defined in terms of their components, with one vector oriented towards the northwest and the other towards the northeast.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the original poster's solution and offer feedback on the calculations, particularly focusing on the significance of figures used in the computations. There is mention of differing results for the magnitude of the resultant vector.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing feedback and suggesting that the original poster revisit their calculations. There is acknowledgment of varying answers and the importance of significant figures, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem statement may have specified significant figures, which could affect the accuracy of the answers provided. This aspect is under discussion as they analyze the implications of rounding in their calculations.

aatari
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Homework Statement


Hi, can you guys please see if my solution is correct. Any feedback would be awesome.

Using components determine the sum of a + b if a = 3 m [N 30° W] and b = 2 m [N 10° E].

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


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Looks good!
 
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I agree that it looks good, but I got a slightly different answer than you for the magnitude (not the 3.00 that you got). Try again, and be consistent with the number of significant figures you carry along. I like to do it with the same numbers carried along in my calculator for the full calculation, instead of writing them down and then using the rounded-off numbers that I've written down for the next part of the calculation... :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
(not the 3.00 that you got)
Rounded to 2 sig figs, I get the answer posted by aatari. :wink:
 
True, and I guess in fairness the problem statement only had 1 significant figure for the magnitudes in the problem statement (at least if the OP copied the problem exactly)... :smile:
 

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