+x is to the right; +y is up
Vector A has a length of 3.76 cm and is at an angle of 34.5 degrees above the positive x-direction. Vector B has a length of 4.53 cm and is at an angle of 34.1 degrees above the negative x-direction.
What is the sum (resultant) of the two vectors?
The component method of vector addition is the standard way to add vectors. If C = A + B, then:
Cx = Ax + Bx
Cy = Ay + By
Vector | x component | y component |
---|---|---|
A | Ax = +3.76 cos(34.5) Ax = +3.10 cm | Ay = +3.76 sin(34.5) Ay = +2.13 cm |
B | Bx = -4.53 cos(34.1) Bx = -3.75 cm | By = +4.53 sin(34.1) By = +2.54 cm |
C | Cx = Ax + Bx
Cx = -0.65 cm | Cy = Ay + By Cy = +4.67 cm |
State the resultant like this:
C = -0.65 cm + 4.67 cm
Or, glue the two components of C together to find the magnitude and direction of C.
C2 = Cx2 + Cy2 = 0.652 + 4.672
C = 4.72 cm
tan(q) = 4.67 / 0.65
q = 82.1 degrees
So, the resultant vector has a magnitude of 4.72 cm and is 82.1 degrees above the -x direction.