A space vehicle is coasting at a constant velocity of 20.7 m/s in the +y direction relative to a space station. The pilot of the vehicle fires a RCS (reaction control system) thruster, which causes it to accelerate at 0.260 m/s2 in the +x direction. After 42.0 s, the pilot shuts off the RCS thruster. After the RCS thruster is turned off, find the following quantities.

Question

A space vehicle is coasting at a constant velocity of 20.7 m/s in the +y direction relative to a space station. The pilot of the vehicle fires a RCS (reaction control system) thruster, which causes it to accelerate at 0.260 m/s2 in the +x direction. After 42.0 s, the pilot shuts off the RCS thruster. After the RCS thruster is turned off, find the following quantities.
(a) the magnitude of the vehicle's velocity
  m/s

(b) the direction of the vehicle's velocity relative to the space station Express the direction as an angle measured from the +y direction.
  ° to the right of the +y direction

Henry · Answer

X = hor. = at = 0.260m/s^2 * 42s = 10.92m/s.

Y = ver. = 20.7m/s.

a. V = sqrt(X^2 + Y^2),
V = sqrt((10.92)^2 + (20.7)^2) = 23.4m/s.

b. tanA = Y / X = 20.7 / 10.92=1.8956.
A = 62.2 deg.,N of E.
A = 90 - 62.2 = 27.8 deg.,E of N.

GG · Answer

Where are you getting 62.2 deg

Kyleigh · Answer

you take the inverse tan. So tan-1(1.8956)= 62.2