Vectors and angles word problem

In summary, on a snow-covered ski slope with an angle of θslope = 29.0°, a ski jumper creates a parcel of splashed snow that travels a maximum displacement of 1.70 m at θsnow = 19.0° from the vertical in the uphill direction. To determine the components of this displacement, we need to create vectors parallel and perpendicular to the slope for the 1.7 meter vector and find the components in those directions. This will allow us to find the component of the maximum displacement parallel to the surface and the component perpendicular to the surface.
  • #1
joedango
9
0
A snow-covered ski slope makes an angle of θslope = 29.0° with the horizontal. When a ski jumper plummets onto the hill, a parcel of splashed snow is thrown up to a maximum displacement of 1.70 m at θsnow = 19.0° from the vertical in the uphill direction as shown in the figure below.

3-p-026-alt.gif


(a) Find the component of its maximum displacement parallel to the surface.

(b) Find the component of its maximum displacement perpendicular to the surface.

I don't know what component is parallel to the surface. I also don't know where the 1.70m goes
 
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  • #2
I believe that 1.7 m is the length of the vector with the little snow ball on top of it. Create vectors parallel and perpendicular to the slope for the 1.7 meter vector
 

1. What are vectors and angles?

Vectors and angles are mathematical concepts used to represent and describe the magnitude and direction of an object or motion in space. Vectors are represented by an arrow and have both magnitude (length) and direction, while angles measure the amount of rotation or separation between two lines or planes.

2. How are vectors and angles used in word problems?

Vectors and angles are often used in word problems involving motion, forces, and geometry. They can be used to determine the direction and magnitude of a moving object, the forces acting on an object, and the angles formed between lines or objects.

3. What are some common methods for solving vector and angle word problems?

Some common methods for solving vector and angle word problems include using trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine, using vector addition and subtraction, and using the Pythagorean theorem to solve for unknown sides and angles in right triangles. It is also helpful to draw diagrams to visualize the problem and identify the known and unknown quantities.

4. How do I determine the direction of a vector?

The direction of a vector is determined by the angle it makes with the horizontal axis. This angle is measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis. In some cases, the direction of a vector may also be described using the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) or by using angles relative to a specific reference point.

5. What are some real-life applications of vectors and angles?

Vectors and angles have many real-life applications, such as in physics, engineering, navigation, and computer graphics. They are used to describe the motion and forces of objects, the direction and magnitude of wind and currents, and the coordinates of objects in 3D space. They are also used in video game and animation design to create realistic movements and special effects.

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