Mastering Physics Vector Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around solving a physics problem involving vectors A, B, and C, where C needs to be expressed in terms of A, B, and the angle theta. The initial solution using the law of cosines was C = sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos(θ), but feedback indicated a sign error, leading to the correction C = sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos(π - θ). The second part of the problem requires finding the angle phi that vector C makes with vector A, with an attempt using arcsin(ABsin(π - theta) / Csin(a). The user is seeking clarification on whether their approach or input is incorrect.
fishguts
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I am having a problem with a mastering physics problem. I am given this image
41119_b.jpg


I am to Express C in terms of vector A, vector B, and angle theta, using radian measure for known angles. I know theta is equal to pi - c.

Homework Equations



law of cosines
render?tex=C%5E2%3DA%5E2+%2B+B%5E2+-+2AB+%5Ccos%28c%29.gif



The Attempt at a Solution



By using the law of cosines the answer i got was

C = sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos(θ))

The feedback I got back from the program was to check my signs but everything apperas to be correct. Can someone help me out?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi,
Should'nt it be C = sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos(Pi-θ)) ?
As c is the angle opposite to C.
 
muscaria said:
Hi,
Should'nt it be C = sqrt(A^2 + B^2 - 2ABcos(Pi-θ)) ?
As c is the angle opposite to C.

Thats right! I do not know how I missed that
 
I am having trouble with the second part of the problem. I do not know if it is my input to the problem or if I have the problem totally wrong. I am told to:

Find the angle phi that the vector C_vec makes with vector A_vec.

I get arcsin(ABsin(pi - theta) / Csin(a))

For earlier solutions in the problem I found C = to pi - theta so U used that instad of c. Can anyone help me out?
 
Thread 'Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height'
Hello guys this is what I tried so far. I used the UTS to calculate the force it needs when the rope tears. My idea was to make a relationship/ function that would give me the force depending on height. Yeah i couldnt find a way to solve it. I also thought about how I could use hooks law (how it was given to me in my script) with the thought of instead of having two part of a rope id have one singular rope from the middle to the top where I could find the difference in height. But the...
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Back
Top