Question

In a vector problem, what does 30 degrees north of west mean? How would I find the x and y component given a force of 30N for the vector?

Answer 1

30 degrees north of west means face west and then turn 30º towards the north

Answer 2

That makes sense! How would I find the x and y components?

Answer 3

First, you have to define your x and y axes, what is 0º and what direction do you turn to face 90º.... In algebra, the 0º is the angle from the x-axis, and you turn counter clockwise to get to 90º (the y-axis)

but if you use the compass directions, 0º (north) is the y axis, and you turn CLOCKWISE 90º to get to the x-axis (east)

which convention are you using ?

Answer 4

The latter