Physics: How to add and subtract vectors
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Physics: How to add and subtract vectors

[From: ] [author: ] [Date: 11-05-12] [Hit: ]
66/5.74 is 0.986, and the inverse cosine of this is 9.58 degrees. Adding this to the West direction (270 degrees),......

The cosine of the angle from due West will be the West component (5.66) divided by the total vector size (5.74). 5.66/5.74 is 0.986, and the inverse cosine of this is 9.58 degrees. Adding this to the West direction (270 degrees), we get a final direction of 279.58 degrees.

Given that the original question components were only accurate to one significant figure, your answer of "5.74m/s due 279.58 degrees" would become "6m/s due 280 degrees".

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Problem 2:
Part A:
1000N from the south east towards the north west, plus 1000N from the south west towards the north east.

Vector 1 is 1000N * sin 45 degrees (707N) North plus 1000N * cos 45 degrees (707N) West
Vector 2 is 1000N * sin 45 degrees (707N) North plus 1000N * cos 45 degrees (707N) East

Final vector is 707N + 707N North (total 1414N North) plus zero newtons East/West
= 1414N due North (0 degrees)

The acceleration of the spaceship can be calculated from the equation F=ma

F = 1414N due North
m = 800kg
a = 1414 due North / 800kg = 1.77ms^-2 due North

Given that the original question components were only accurate to one significant figure, your answer of "1.77ms^-2 due North" would become "2ms^-2 due North".

***

I note that both of these questions are actually addition of vectors, not subtraction. If you ever need to subtract a vector, simply instead add the equivalent vector in the opposite direction.
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