Why Is My Calculation for the X Component of the Vector Sum Incorrect?

  • Thread starter Thread starter STEF2098
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The calculation of the vector sum for two vectors, a and b, each with a magnitude of 13.0 m and angles θ1 = 30° and θ2 = 100°, reveals discrepancies in the x and y components. The correct y component is confirmed as 16.3, while the x components calculated are 11.26 for vector a and -2.26 for vector b, leading to a total of 9.0. However, the correct x component should be recalculated, as the initial assumption of the magnitudes may be incorrect, suggesting a need to verify the values used in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components and their calculations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Knowledge of vector addition principles
  • Ability to interpret angles in standard position
NEXT STEPS
  • Review vector component calculations using trigonometric functions
  • Learn how to apply the law of cosines for vector addition
  • Practice problems involving vector sums with varying angles
  • Explore online tools for visualizing vector addition
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering courses, educators teaching vector analysis, and anyone needing to resolve vector components accurately.

STEF2098
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
The two vectors a and b have equal magnitudes of 13.0 m and their angles are θ1 = 30° and θ2 = 100°.
Find the components of their vector sum, r.


I know this is a very simple problem, but I can't get it! And it is frustrating me to no end.

I know the y component of the sum is 16.3. (I don't remember how I got this, but it's right.)
However, when I try to find the x components of each vector, I get 11.26 for a, and -2.26 for b. When these are added, you get 9.0. And the computer(our HW is graded online) is telling me that this is the wrong answer.

What am I doing wrong?!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
STEF2098 said:
The two vectors a and b have equal magnitudes of 13.0 m and their angles are θ1 = 30° and θ2 = 100°.
Find the components of their vector sum, r.
…
I know the y component of the sum is 16.3. (I don't remember how I got this, but it's right.)
However, when I try to find the x components of each vector, I get 11.26 for a, and -2.26 for b. When these are added, you get 9.0. And the computer(our HW is graded online) is telling me that this is the wrong answer.

What am I doing wrong?!

Hi STEF2098! :smile:

hmm … I make it 9.0 also, but I don't get 16.3 :confused:

are you sure it's not |a| = |b| = 11.0 m?
 

Similar threads

Can A Vector Have Components Of Say Y or Z in the X-Hat Direction?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Am I Calculating the Components of V3 Correctly?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Syntax Error? x and y components of E field in unit vector form
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Diffrence between resolving vector to components and find projections
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding z component of a unit vector
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Finding the expression for the x-component of velocity (vectors?)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
The components of force and velocity vectors in circular motion
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Question on Calculating Coulomb force in VECTOR FORM
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Finding magnitude of vector without direction (kite problem)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K