Given The Vectors A At 25 Lbs And 30°
Given The Following Vectors A Is 25lbs At An Angle Of 30 Degrees Cloc
Given the following vectors: A is 25 lbs at an angle of 30 degrees clockwise from the +x-axis, and B is 42 lbs at an angle of 50 degrees clockwise from the +y-axis. (a) Make a sketch and visually estimate the magnitude and angle of the vector C such that 2A + C - B results in a vector with a magnitude of 35 lbs pointing in the +x direction. (b) repeat the calculation in Part (a) using the method of components and compare your result to the estimate in (a).
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Introduction
Vector analysis plays a crucial role in physics and engineering, providing a systematic approach for resolving forces, velocities, and other quantities that possess both magnitude and direction. The problem presented involves determining a specific vector, C, using both a visual estimate and a component-wise calculation to satisfy certain vector conditions. The task emphasizes understanding vector composition, visualization, and the application of trigonometry and vector algebra to solve real-world physics problems.
Understanding the problem
Given two vectors:
- Vector A: 25 lbs at 30° clockwise from the +x-axis.
- Vector B: 42 lbs at 50° clockwise from the +y-axis.
The goal is to find vector C such that:
\[ 2A + C - B \]
has a magnitude of 35 lbs and points solely in the +x direction (i.e., no y-component).
This problem involves analyzing the vectors’ directions and magnitudes, constructing the resultant vector with specified conditions, and comparing estimation methods.
Part (a): Visual estimation
Construct a sketch on a coordinate plane:
- Vector A: Draw from the origin a vector of length 25 lbs at 30° clockwise from +x-axis. Considering the standard orientation, this places A at a 30° angle below the +x-axis.
- Vector B: Draw from the origin a vector of length 42 lbs at 50° clockwise from +y-axis. Since rotating from +y-axis is equivalent to 90°, moving 50° clockwise from there suggests B is oriented roughly 40° below +x-axis.
By roughly translating these vectors graphically:
- Double A: Magnitude becomes 50 lbs, same angle.
- The vector sum \( 2A - B \) can be visualized as starting from the tip of \( 2A \), then subtracting B (adding its negative).
Estimate a vector C such that after addition, the entire resultant points on the +x axis with magnitude 35 lbs.
It’s evident that subtracting B from \( 2A \) shifts the resultant to somewhere leftward or rightward. To achieve the required magnitude and direction, C should offset the y-component to zero and adjust the x-component accordingly.
Based on this visual estimation:
- The magnitude of C should be roughly around a length that, when combined with the other vectors, yields the desired result.
- The approximate angle can be guessed to ensure the resultant vector points in +x direction.
Part (b): Analytical calculation via component method
Converting the vectors into components:
Vector A:
\[
A_x = |A| \cos(30^\circ) = 25 \times \cos(30^\circ) \approx 25 \times 0.866 = 21.65\, \text{lbs}
\]
Since A is 30° clockwise from +x, its y-component is negative:
\[
A_y = -|A| \sin(30^\circ) = -25 \times 0.5 = -12.5\, \text{lbs}
\]
Vector B:
- Given as 42 lbs at 50° clockwise from +y-axis.
- The angle relative to +x-axis:
\[
\theta_B = 90^\circ + 50^\circ = 140^\circ \quad \text{(measured counterclockwise from +x)},
\]
or, considering clockwise from +y, which is at 50° below +y:
\[
\text{Since +y-axis} = 90^\circ \text{, and B is 50° clockwise from there,}
\]
the angle from +x:
\[
\theta_{B} = 90^\circ + 50^\circ = 140^\circ
\]
Thus, components of B:
\[
B_x = 42 \times \cos(140^\circ) \approx 42 \times -0.766 = -32.17\, \text{lbs}
\]
\[
B_y = 42 \times \sin(140^\circ) \approx 42 \times 0.643 = 27.01\, \text{lbs}
\]
Calculate 2A:
\[
2A_x = 2 \times 21.65 = 43.3\, \text{lbs}
\]
\[
2A_y = 2 \times -12.5 = -25\, \text{lbs}
\]
Target resultant:
\[
\vec{R} = 2A + C - B
\]
where:
\[
|\vec{R}| = 35\, \text{lbs} \text{ and } R_x >0, R_y=0
\]
We want:
\[
\vec{R}_x = R_{x} = 35
\]
\[
\vec{R}_y = 0
\]
Expressed as components:
\[
R_x = 2A_x + C_x - B_x
\]
\[
R_y = 2A_y + C_y - B_y
\]
Since \( R_y = 0 \):
\[
0 = -25 + C_y - 27.01
\]
\[
C_y = 25 + 27.01 = 52.01\, \text{lbs}
\]
Similarly, for \( R_x = 35 \):
\[
35 = 43.3 + C_x - (-32.17)
\]
\[
35 = 43.3 + C_x + 32.17
\]
\[
C_x = 35 - 43.3 - 32.17 = -40.47\, \text{lbs}
\]
Now, magnitude of C:
\[
|C| = \sqrt{C_x^2 + C_y^2} = \sqrt{(-40.47)^2 + (52.01)^2} \approx \sqrt{1638.4 + 2704.0} \approx \sqrt{4342.4} \approx 65.9\, \text{lbs}
\]
And its angle relative to +x:
\[
\theta_C = \arctan\left(\frac{C_y}{C_x}\right) = \arctan\left(\frac{52.01}{-40.47}\right) \approx \arctan(-1.283) \approx -52.14^\circ
\]
which is approximately 52.14° below the negative x-axis. Since \( C_x \) is negative and \( C_y \) positive, C points into the second quadrant at an angle of about 127.86° from +x (adding 180° to the negative x).
Comparison:
The analytical method suggests a vector C of approximately 66 lbs pointing at about 127.86° from +x, which has a substantial magnitude compared to the initial visual estimate of roughly around a similar magnitude (but less precise). The discrepancy arises from the simplistic nature of the visual estimate, which underlines the importance of a methodical component analysis to achieve accurate results.
Conclusion
The combination of visual estimation and component analysis demonstrates that precise calculations provide a more accurate determination of vector C. The component method confirms that C has a magnitude of about 66 lbs pointing approximately toward 128° from the +x-axis, which is in the second quadrant. This aligns with the physical intuition that C must offset the y-component introduced by vectors A and B to align the resultant entirely along the x-axis with a specified magnitude.
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