Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 3 - Vectors and Coordinate Systems - Exercises and Problems - Page 83: 17

Answer

a) $\vec B=-(4.33\;{\rm m})\;\hat i+(2.5\;{\rm m})\;\hat j$ b) $\vec B=-(2.5\;{\rm m})\;\hat i+(4.33\;{\rm m})\;\hat j$

Work Step by Step

a) First of all, we need to find the angle between vector $\vec B$ and the positive $x$-direction. From the geometry of the first figure below; $$\alpha_B=90^\circ+60^\circ=\bf 150^\circ $$ So, the horizontal component of vector $\vec B$ is given by $$B_x=|\vec B|\cos\alpha_B=5\cdot \cos 150^\circ=\color{red}{\bf -4.33}\;\rm m$$ And the vertical component is given by $$B_y=|\vec B|\sin\alpha_B=5\cdot \sin150^\circ=\color{red}{\bf 2.5}\;\rm m$$ Therefore, $$\vec B=-(4.33\;{\rm m})\;\hat i+(2.5\;{\rm m})\;\hat j$$ b) We need to find the angle between vector $\vec B$ and the positive $x$-direction. From the geometry of the second figure below; $$\alpha_B=60^\circ+60^\circ=\bf 120^\circ $$ $$B_x=|\vec B|\cos\alpha_B=5\cdot \cos 120^\circ=\color{red}{\bf -2.5}\;\rm m$$ $$B_y=|\vec B|\sin\alpha_B=5\cdot \sin120^\circ=\color{red}{\bf 4.33}\;\rm m$$ $$\vec B=-(2.5\;{\rm m})\;\hat i+(4.33\;{\rm m})\;\hat j$$
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