Question

Vx = 20 m/s , vy = 40 m/s . find the vector's direction. express your answer using two significant figures.

Answer 1

Answer:

63° NE

Explanation:

the direction of a vector is calculated using the formula

tanθ=$\frac{v_{y} }{v_{x} }$

where θ=angle resultant vector makes with the horizontal

vₓ=20m/s

$v_{y}$=40m/s

tanθ=$\frac{40}{20}$

tanθ=2

θ=tan⁻¹ 2

θ=63.43°

θ=63° to 2 significant figures

the vectors direction = 63°NE

Answer 2

Since both $v_x$ and $v_y$ are positive, the angle the vector $v$ makes with the positive $x$ axis is given by

$\tan^{-1}\dfrac{v_y}{v_x}=\tan^{-1}2\approx63.4^\circ$

i.e. 63.4 degrees North of East.