What Are the Components of Vector Q?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the x and y components of vector Q given the components of vector P and the resultant vector P + Q. The context is rooted in vector addition and the relationships between their components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use vector equations and the cosine rule to find the components of vector Q, leading to two equations based on different magnitudes of the resultant vector. Some participants suggest a more straightforward approach by directly expressing the vectors in component form.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various approaches to the problem, with some participants questioning the complexity of the original poster's method. There is a suggestion of a simpler interpretation of the vectors, but no consensus on the best approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are multiple values provided for the magnitude of the resultant vector, which may lead to confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to proceed after forming the equations.

sankalpmittal
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Homework Statement



The x and y components of vector P have numerical values 6 and 6 , respectively , and that of P + Q have numerical values 10 and 9. What are the numerical values of x and y components of vector Q ?

Note this problem gave the following values :

|Px| = 6
|Py|=6
|P + Q| = 10 or 9
|Qx| = ? To find..
|Qy|=? To find...

Homework Equations



|P + Q|2 = P2 + Q2
+2PQcosθ

Here |P| = P
|Q| = Q

The Attempt at a Solution



( Px = Py = 6)

P2 = Px2 + Py2
P2 = 72
P = 6√2

|P + Q|2 = P2 + Q2
+2PQcosθ

Putting P= 6√2
and

|P + Q| = 10 (given)

and also |P + Q| = 9 (given)

I get two equations :

Q2 + 12√2 Qcosθ = 28
Q2 + 12√2 Qcosθ = 9

Now what ? How will I proceed ? :confused:

Thanks in advance... :smile:
 
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Hi sankalpmittal :smile:

Why use such a long approach?? You can simply see that P vector is given as, \vec{P}=6i + 6j and \vec{P}+\vec{Q}= 10i + 9j, where i, j are unit vectors in the respective directions...So what would vector Q be?
 
Infinitum said:
Hi sankalpmittal :smile:

Why use such a long approach?? You can simply see that P vector is given as, \vec{P}=6i + 6j and \vec{P}+\vec{Q}= 10i + 9j, where i, j are unit vectors in the respective directions...So what would vector Q be?

The magnitude of x and y components of Q vector will be 4,3 ! That's what the answer given in the question booklet !

Thanks Infinitum ! :smile:

Moral : Keep things simple.. :redface:
 
sankalpmittal said:
Moral : Keep things simple.. :redface:

Well, usually :wink:
 

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