Vector angle in a standard x-y coordinate system?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the possible angle of a vector in a standard x-y coordinate system, given that its x and y components are equal in magnitude. Participants are exploring the implications of this condition on the angle measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning which angles correspond to equal x and y components, with some suggesting that 45° is a valid angle. Others are clarifying the relationship between the components and the angle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning the definitions used. There is a focus on clarifying the angle that corresponds to equal components, particularly emphasizing the 45° angle. However, there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over terminology, such as "x plane" and "y plane," indicating a need for clarity on the coordinate system being discussed. Additionally, there is a mention of the original poster's visualization of vectors, which may influence their understanding of the problem.

robvba
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A certain vector has x and y components that are equal in magnitude. Which of the following is a possible angle for this vector in a standard x-y coordinate system?

30°
180°
90°
60°
45°

Is this problem too simple or am i missing something? if the x and y components are equal in magnitude, than their vector will be the hypotenus...in this case being any of the above?

Thank you
 
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No, not any of the above. For most angles listed, the x and y components are unequal in magnitude.
 
It's asking about the angle.
 
so if one lies on the x plane and the other on the y plane the angle could be 45?
 
robvba said:
so if one lies on the x plane and the other on the y plane the angle could be 45?

If they are equal, then either of the minor angles will be equal, which means ...
 
cos()=sin()...()=45
 
Yes, 45°.

By the way, what is this "x plane" and "y plane"? Everything is in the xy plane.
 
Originaly i pictured two vectors of equal magnitued at different points on the xy plane.
thank you all
 

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