Find the resultant of two vectors 3 units and 4 units acting at a point o at the angle of 60° with each other

1 answer

To find the resultant of two vectors acting at an angle, we can use the law of cosines. Let’s denote the two vectors as \( \vec{A} \) and \( \vec{B} \), where \( A = 3 \) units and \( B = 4 \) units, and the angle \( \theta = 60^\circ \).

The magnitude of the resultant vector \( R \) can be calculated using the formula:

\[ R = \sqrt{A^2 + B^2 + 2AB \cos(\theta)} \]

Substituting the values we have:

  • \( A = 3 \)
  • \( B = 4 \)
  • \( \theta = 60^\circ \)
  • \( \cos(60^\circ) = 0.5 \)

Now plug these values into the formula:

\[ R = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2 + 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot \cos(60^\circ)} \] \[ R = \sqrt{9 + 16 + 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot 0.5} \] \[ R = \sqrt{9 + 16 + 12} \] \[ R = \sqrt{37} \]

Thus, the magnitude of the resultant vector \( R \) is:

\[ R \approx 6.08 \text{ units} \]

So, the resultant of the two vectors is approximately 6.08 units.