What Angle is the Path of a Moon Landing Descent Vehicle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle of descent for a lunar landing vehicle with a vertical velocity of 31.7 m/s and a horizontal velocity of 58.6 m/s. The combined velocity is determined to be 66.625 m/s. To find the angle with respect to the vertical, trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, or tangent must be applied. The correct approach involves drawing a right triangle to visualize the relationship between the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity.

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  • Familiarity with vector components in physics.
  • Knowledge of velocity and its components in two-dimensional motion.
  • Ability to interpret and draw right triangles based on given values.
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angle of vertical path?

Homework Statement



A descent vehicle landing on the moon has
a vertical velocity toward the surface of the
moon of 31:7 m=s. At the same time, it has a
horizontal velocity of 58:6 m=s. the combined velocity is 66.625m/s

At what angle with the vertical is its path?
Answer in units of degrees

Homework Equations



i am pretty sure i need to use sin, cos or tan for this but not sure exactly how

The Attempt at a Solution



i had solved for the combined velocity to get the 66.625 however now i am stuck on the next step
 
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if it helps, draw a triangle indicating the velocity and its components. Then you can use sin, cos, or tan to find the answer
 
if i draw it tho one angle has to be 90 degrees correct due to the horizontal and vertical velocity

i just am not sure whether to use cos sin or tan to find at what angle with the vertical is its path
 

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