Question

The x vector component of a displacement vector has a magnitude of 146 m and points along the negative x axis. The y vector component has a magnitude of 113 m and points along the negative y axis. Find (a) the magnitude and (b) direction of . Specify the direction as a positive angle with respect to the negative x axis.

Answer 1

Answer:  

a) the magnitude of r is  184.62

b) the direction is 37.74° south of the negative x-axis

   

Explanation:

Given the data in the question;

as illustrated in the image blow;

To find the the magnitude of r, we will use the Pythagoras theorem

r² = y² + x²

r = √( y² + x²)

we substitute

r = √((-113)² + (-146)²)

r = √(12769 + 21316 )

r = √(34085 )

r = 184.62

Therefore, the magnitude of r is  184.62

To find its direction, we need to find ∅

from SOH CAH TOA

tan = opposite / adjacent

tan∅ = -113 / -146

tan∅ = 0.77397

∅ = tan⁻¹( 0.77397 )

∅ = 37.74°

Therefore, the direction is 37.74° south of the negative x-axis