Vectors, Direction, and Net displacement

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving two vector problems involving displacement. The first problem involves a helicopter that travels northwest, east, and south, and the goal is to determine its net displacement from the origin. The second problem concerns a ship sailing northwest and then south, with a similar objective. The calculations for the ship's displacement involve using trigonometric functions to find the x and y components, leading to a magnitude of 100 miles. Participants are encouraged to provide guidance on the calculations and confirm if the approach taken is correct.
rorushing4283
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I have been working on the following two problems and I can't seem to get any progress.
Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I know it seems simple to those who are familiar but I have no background in this type of equations.

1. A helicopter travels northwest 70.7 miles, then straight east 100 miles, and finally straight south 100 miles. How far and in what direction is it from point of origin?



2. A ship sails 100 miles northwest then 141.4 miles due south. How far and in what direction is it from its starting location?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
for 2

100 miles NW
141.4 miles S

x=100cos135=-70.71
y=100sin135=70.71

Mag=sqrt(-70.71)^2+(70.71)^2
Mag=sqrt10000
Mag=100miles

is this on the right track for this problem?
 
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 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K