Scribd
Upload
11 views3 pages

Resultant Displacement Calculation

The document provides a step-by-step solution to a vector addition problem involving a car's displacement. It outlines the necessary calculations for the x- and y-components of two vectors and how to find the resultant displacement. The final result is a displacement of 55.90 km at an angle of 123.43° or 56.57° north of west.

Uploaded by

Aizen Lian
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views3 pages

Resultant Displacement Calculation

The document provides a step-by-step solution to a vector addition problem involving a car's displacement. It outlines the necessary calculations for the x- and y-components of two vectors and how to find the resultant displacement. The final result is a displacement of 55.90 km at an angle of 123.43° or 56.57° north of west.

Uploaded by

Aizen Lian
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Unit 2: Vectors

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
A car covered 25 km, 60° north of east on its initial route. Afterwards, it covered 50 km in
the direction 30° north of west. What is its resultant displacement?

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the resultant displacement.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.


The two vectors are given.

= 25 km, 60° north of east

= 50 km, 30° north of west

Before proceeding to the next step, you have to make sure that the angles are
measured from the positive x-axis. We will also be using a table to organize the
calculations, as shown below.

Distance Angle x-component y-component

A = 25 km 𝜃 = 60°

B = 50 km 𝜃 = 150°

2.4. Vector Addition through Analytical Method 9


Unit 2: Vectors

Step 3: Calculate the x- and y-components.


Use the following equations to calculate the x- and y-components.

After getting the components, add the x-components all together. Do the same for
the y-components.

Distance Angle x-component y-component

A = 25 km 𝜃 = 60° 12.50 km 21.65 k m

B = 50 km 𝜃 = 150° –43.30 km 25 km

Rx = –30.80 km Ry = 46.65 km

Step 4: Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.


To calculate the magnitude, use the following equation:

To determine the direction, use the following equation:

Since the x-component is negative while the y-component is positive, we can say
that the vector is located in the second quadrant. The negative sign also indicates
that the angle was measured clockwise from the west direction, as shown in the
figure below.

2.4. Vector Addition through Analytical Method 10


Unit 2: Vectors

Tips
Draw or sketch the resultant vector in a Cartesian plane especially if
one or both of the x- and y-components are negative. It would help
you visualize the correct and final direction of the resultant vector. If
you have time to spare, you can also use the graphical method of
addition of vectors to check whether your final answer is correct or
not.

Step 5: Find the answer.


R = 55.90 km
𝜃 = 123.43° or 56.57° north of west

The resultant displacement is 55.90 km, 123.43° or 56.57° north of west.

2.4. Vector Addition through Analytical Method 11

You might also like