A rocket lifts off its launching pas with a vertical velocity of 20. m/s and a horizontal velocity of 60. m/s. What are the magnitude and direction of its resultant velocity?

I drew the x and Y axis. 20 m/s on the Y axis and 30 m/s on the X axis. I know I need to find the angle (North West. I don't know what formula to use.

1 answer

Xo = 60 m/s.
Yo = 20 m/s.
Vo = ? m/s.

Tan A = Yo/Xo = 20/60 = 0.33333
A = 18.43o = Direction.

Vo = Xo/Cos A = 60/Cos18.43 = 63.2 m/s @ 18.43o