The magnitude |<x,y>| of a vector given as <x,y> can be obtained by a calculation similar to Pythagoras theorem. For example,
|<3,4>| = sqrt(3²+4²)=5
The direction θ with respect to the x-axis can be calculated using a calculator by:
θ=tan-1(y/x)
but add 180° if x is negative.
For example, for <-12,5>
θ=tan-1(-12/5)
=tan-1-67.4°
But since x<0, we add 180° to give
θ=112.6°
You can use the same procedure to calculate the magnitude and direction of all vectors when the x,y components are given.
The displacement, force, velocity, and acceleration vectors’ components are given. Calculate the magnitude and direction of each vector. (a) x = +15.0 cm, y = -12.3 cm.
I am completely lost.
1 answer