Question

Find x-component of vector v⃗ =(250m/s , 30∘ above + x-axis)

Answer 1

Hi! Have you used trigonometric functions before, like cosine? Cosine is usually written as "\(cos\)" and is a function of an angle, usually \(\theta\). So you might recognize "\(cos\left(\theta\right)\)".

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

so yes x = cos, y = sin
i'm asked to find x component and y component of vector
is it as simple as cos30(250) and sin30(250)?
i'm just thrown off because 250 is a velocity

Answer 4

Haha, I got ya. The velocity has magnitude and direction, so it's exactly like any other vector. Just different units from things like force, or work.

So you will do \(250\ [m/s] \times cos\left( 30^\circ\right)\) for the \(x\)-component.

Answer 5

x=216.51
y=125

Answer 6

I agree! \(\huge\color{blue}{\large\ \ o\ o\ \\\smile}\)

Answer 7

thanks do you have time for one more

Answer 8

Possibly. Post it as another question so other can see it to help out too!

Answer 9

Find x-component of vector a⃗ =(6.0m/s2 , - y-direction)
this is all the problem gives me. i should i approach the problem.

Answer 10

I see.

Answer 11

negative y

Answer 12

its looking for a sub y

Answer 13

Can you draw a picture of the vector? It might help make sense of it visually. Otherwise, you could just realize that if the entire vector is only in the \(y\) or negative \(y\) direction, then there is no \(x\) component.

Answer 14

so its downward vector going down the y axis

Answer 15

Yup! Right on the \(y\)-axis. So, there is no \(x\)-component at all.

Answer 16

You can also do this:\(\overrightarrow a\)is at an angle of \(270^\circ\).

What is the \(x\)-component, now?
\(\overrightarrow{a_x} = a\ cos\left( 270^\circ\right) \stackrel{?}{=}\)