Help with Combining Vectors: Find Resultant and Angle

In summary, the conversation was about finding the resultant vector of two given vectors, A and B. The correct answer was option A - resulting in a vector of 13.34 units and an angle of 86.3 degrees. The conversation also discussed using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric functions to solve for the angle.
  • #1
Baby Einstein
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Hey guys, boggled again :confused: need some help. And by the way, thanks to everyone who helped out on the last question...much appreciated!

Combine the following two vectors to find the resultant vector.

Vector A = 7.4 units at 30 degrees and Vector B = 11.1 units at 120 degrees

A. Resulant = 13.34 units ; angle = 86.3 degrees
B. Resulant = 18.49 units; angle = 60.0 degrees
C. Resulant = 17.89 units, angle = 48.1 degrees
D. Resulant = 17.89 units; angle = 41.9 degrees


the only thing I can figure is that using the Pythagoryn Therom is that 7.4 and 11.1 comes out to 13.34 but I can't figure the math on how to get the angle to match up. that's asuming that 13.34 is a correct figure

 
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  • #2
Ok...using a vector calculator at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.ed.../vect.html#vec7 I figured out that "A" is the correct answer. So using the Pyth therom is the right way to start

But I still don't know how to do the math on the angle.
 
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  • #3
Find the x and y components of each vector, add them together to find the resultant vector and the ratio of the y to x components of the resultant vector is the tangent of the desired angle.
 
  • #4
The trick with vectors is to see them as triangles. You draw the vectors out (in the correct direction! VERY important!) then put the x and y components on them to form a triangle.

Then you start solving the triangles... add their x and ys respectively and recombine the summed values using pythagoras to get the resultant.
 
  • #5
sine Alpha=11.1/13.34=.832 giving Alpha=56.3degrees. Adding vector A's
30degrees to Alpha gives the total angle of 86.3degrees

Thanks again :blushing:
 

FAQ: Help with Combining Vectors: Find Resultant and Angle

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical concept used to represent both the magnitude and direction of a physical quantity, such as force or velocity.

What is the resultant of two or more vectors?

The resultant of two or more vectors is a single vector that represents the combined effect of the individual vectors. It is found by adding the individual vectors using vector addition.

How do you find the resultant of two or more vectors?

To find the resultant of two or more vectors, you must first determine the magnitude and direction of each vector. Then, use vector addition to add the individual vectors together. The resulting vector is the resultant.

What is the angle between two vectors?

The angle between two vectors is the angle formed between the two vectors when their tails are placed at the same point. It is measured in degrees or radians.

How do you calculate the angle between two vectors?

The angle between two vectors can be calculated using the dot product or the cross product of the vectors, depending on the information given. The formula for calculating the angle between two vectors is cosθ = (A · B) / (|A| * |B|), where A and B are the two vectors and θ is the angle between them.

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