Question

The components of a 15 meters per second velocity at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal are?

Answer 1

Answer:

x-component of velocity: 7.5 m/s

y-component of velocity: 13 m/s

Explanation:

This problem is pure trigonometry. Assuming you know trig, there are only a couple of steps to solving this problem. First, split the velocity into components; recall that any vector not directed along an axis has x and y components. Then, remember that sinΘ = opposite/hypotenuse. Applying this to your scenario, you get sin60° = vy/15. Multiplying this out gives you vy=15sin60. Put this into a calculator (make sure it's set to degree mode because the angle in this problem is in degrees) and you should get 12.99, which you can round up to 13 m/s. This is the velocity in the y-direction.

The procedure to find the x-velocity is very similar, but instead of using sine, we will use the cosine of theta. Recall that cosΘ=adjacent/hypotenuse. Once again plugging this scenario's numbers into that, you end up with cos60 = vₓ/15. Multiplying this out gives you vₓ = 15cos60. Once again, plug this into your calculator. 7.5 m/s should be your answer. This is the velocity in the x-direction.

By the way, a quick way to find the components of a vector, whether it's velocity, force, or whatever else, is to use these functions. Generally, if the vector points somewhere that's not along an axis, you can use this rule. The x-component of the vector is equal to hypotenuse*cosΘ and the y-component of the vector is equal to hypotenuse*sinΘ.