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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics

Answers to Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions


2. Vectors A , G , and J are all equal to one another. In addition, vector I is the same as vector L .
4. No. The component and the magnitude can be equal if the vector has only a single component. If the vector
has more than one nonzero component, however, its magnitude will be greater than either of its components.
6. No. If a vector has a nonzero component, the smallest magnitude it can have is the magnitude of the
component.
8. The vectors A and B must point in the same direction.
10. The vector A can point in the following directions: 45, 135, 225, and 315. In each of these directions
Ax = Ay .

12. Two vectors of unequal magnitude cannot add to zero, even if they point in opposite directions. Three
vectors of unequal magnitude can add to zero if they can form a triangle.
14. When sailing upwind, your speed relative to the wind is greater than the speed of the wind itself. If you sail
downwind, however, you move with the wind, and its speed relative to you is decreased.

Solutions to Problems and Conceptual Exercises

1. Picture the Problem: Each component of a vector is doubled in magnitude.


Strategy: Note the relationship between the components of a vector and its magnitude and direction to answer the
conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) Doubling each of the components of a vector will double its magnitude, or increase its magnitude by a
multiplicative factor of 2. You can picture this in your head or confirm it mathematically with a calculation like:

( 2 Ax ) + ( 2 Ay ) = 4 ( Ax2 + Ay2 ) = 2 Ax2 + Ay2 = 2 A


2 2
A= Ax2 + Ay2

2. (b) Doubling each of the components of a vector will not change its direction at all; the direction changes by a
multiplicative factor of 1. You can picture this in your head or confirm it mathematically with a calculation like:

= tan 1 ( Ay Ax ) tan 1 ( 2 Ay 2 Ax ) = tan 1 ( Ay Ax ) =

Insight: You can change a vectors direction only by changing the relative magnitudes of its components. In this
exercise each component was changed by the same multiplicative factor, so the relative magnitudes were unchanged.

2. Picture the Problem: Compare the magnitudes of the vectors depicted in the figure.
Strategy: Concentrate on the lengths of the vectors as drawn and ignore their direction.

Solution: By comparing the lengths of the vectors as drawn we can arrive at the ranking: B < C < A < D

Insight: Note that the symbol B refers to the magnitude of the vector and B refers to both magnitude and direction.

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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

3. Picture the Problem: Compare the magnitudes of the x components of the vectors depicted in the figure.
Strategy: Concentrate on the value of the x component of each vector. A vector that is oriented vertically in the
diagram has an x component of zero, whereas horizontal vectors have x components with large magnitudes, either
positive (to the right) or negative (to the left).

Solution: Note that the x component of D is large and negative. The value of its x component is therefore the smallest
even though the magnitude of its x component is the largest. By comparing the values of the x components of the
vectors as drawn we can arrive at the ranking: Dx < C x < Bx < Ax

Insight: Note that the symbol Bx refers to the value of the x component of vector B .

4. Picture the Problem: Compare the magnitudes of the y components of the vectors depicted in the figure.
Strategy: Concentrate on the value of the y component of each vector. A vector that is oriented horizontally in the
diagram has a y component of zero, whereas vertical vectors have y components with large magnitudes, either positive
(upward) or negative (downward).

Solution: Note that the y component of D is small and negative. The value of its y component is therefore even
smaller than the zero y component of B . By comparing the values of the y components of the vectors as drawn we can
arrive at the ranking: Dy < By < Ay < C y

Insight: Note that the symbol By refers to the value of the y component of vector B .

5. Picture the Problem: The press box is 32.0 ft above second base
and an unknown horizontal distance away. x
Strategy: Use the tangent function to determine the horizontal 15.0
distance. 32.0 ft

Solution: Use the tangent y 38.0 ft


x= = = 119 ft
function to find x: tan tan15.0
Insight: Dividing distances into right triangles in this manner is an important strategy for solving physics problems.

6. Picture the Problem: You drive 1.2 miles along an inclined


roadway, gaining 530 ft of altitude. x 150 ft
Strategy: Use the sine function to determine the angle and then the 1.2 mi
additional distance x along the hypotenuse.
y 530 ft 530 ft
Solution: 1. (a) Apply sin = =
the sine function: s 1.2 mi 5280 ft/mi

2. Now solve for 530 ft


= sin 1 = 4.8
6300 ft/mi
y 150 ft
3. (b) Use the known angle together with the sine function to find x: x = = = 1800 ft = 0.34 mi
sin sin 4.8
Insight: It may be helpful for you to review the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent before tackling other
problems in this chapter.

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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

7. Picture the Problem: The road gains 6 ft in altitude for every 100 ft it
spans in the horizontal direction. 6 ft
Strategy: Use the tangent function to determine the angle.
100 ft
y 6 ft
Solution: Apply the tangent function: sin = = tan 1 = 3
x 100 ft
Insight: It may be helpful for you to review the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent before tackling other
problems in this chapter.

y y
8. Picture the Problem: The vector direction is
measured counterclockwise from the +x axis. r
r
Strategy: In each case find the vector 35.0
x 65.0
x
components. (a) (b)

Solution: 1. (a) Find the x and y components: rx = r cos = ( 75 m ) cos 35.0 = 61 m


ry = r sin = ( 75 m ) sin 35.0 = 43 m

2. (b) Find the x and y components: rx = r cos = ( 75 m ) cos 65.0 = 32 m


ry = r sin = ( 75 m ) sin 65.0 = 68 m

Insight: Resolving vectors into their components is an important skill for solving physics problems.

9. Picture the Problem: The base runner travels from C (home plate)
to first base, then to A (second base), then to B (third base), and
finally back to C (home plate).
r
Strategy: The displacement vector r is the same as the position
vector r if we take home plate to be the origin of our coordinate
system (as it is drawn). The displacement vector for a runner who
has just hit a double is drawn.

Solution: 1. (a) Write the displacement vector r = ( 90 ft ) x + ( 90 ft ) y


from C to A in terms of its x and y components:
2. (b) Write the displacement vector from C to B r = ( 0 ft ) x + ( 90 ft ) y = ( 90 ft ) y
in terms of its x and y components:

3. (c) For a home run the displacement is zero: r = ( 0 ft ) x + ( 0 ft ) y

Insight: The displacement is always zero when the object (or person) returns to its original position.

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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

10. Picture the Problem: The ship approaches the rocks as


depicted in the picture.
Strategy: The distance to the rocks can be determined from a
right triangle that extends from the sailor to the top of the
lighthouse to the base of the lighthouse and back to the sailor.
Find the length of the bottom of that triangle and subtract 19 ft
to determine the distance to the rocks.

( 49 14 ft ) ( 35 ft )
Solution: 1. Use the tangent function to find the distance L: tan 30 = L= = 61 ft
L tan 30
2. Subtract 19 ft from L to find the distance to the rocks: d = L 19 ft = 61 19 ft = 42 ft

Insight: Identifying right triangles and manipulating the trigonometric functions are important skills to learn when
solving physics problems.

11. Picture the Problem: The water molecule forms a triangle with the positions of the
oxygen and hydrogen nuclei as shown.
Strategy: Break the triangle up into two right triangles and use the sine function to find
the distance between the hydrogen nuclei. The angle is half of the 104.5 bond angle,
or = 52.25.

Solution: 1. Use the sine function to find the d


sin =
distance d: 0.96

2. The distance between hydrogen nuclei is 2d: 2d = 2 ( 0.96 ) sin ( 52.25 ) = 1.5

Insight: Identifying right triangles and manipulating the trigonometric functions are important skills to learn when
solving physics problems.

12. Picture the Problem: The given vector components correspond to the vector r as drawn at y
right.
Strategy: Use the inverse tangent function to determine the angle . Then use the
14 m
Pythagorean Theorem to determine the magnitude of r . x
9.5 9.5 m
Solution: 1. (a) Use the inverse tangent = tan 1 = 34 or 34 below r
function to find the distance angle : 14
the +x axis

2. (b) Use the Pythagorean Theorem to (14 m ) + ( 9.5 m )


2 2
r = rx2 + ry2 =
determine the magnitude of r :
r = 17 m

9.5 2
3. (c) If both rx and ry are doubled, the = tan 1 = 34
14 2
direction will remain the same but the
( 28 m ) + ( 19 m ) = 34 m
2 2
magnitude will double: r=

Insight: Any vector can be resolved into two components. The ability to convert a vector to and from its components is
an essential skill for solving many physics problems.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

13. Picture the Problem: The given vector components correspond to the vector r as drawn at XII
right. I
Strategy: Determine the angle from our knowledge of analog clocks. The given component y
II
rx together with the angle will allow us to calculate the length of r and the component ry .
r
1
Solution: 1. (a) Find the angle : = 360 = 30 III
12 3.0 cm x

2. Find the length of r: rx 3.0 cm


rx = r cos r = = = 3.5 cm
cos cos 30
3. (b) The components rx and ry are only equal when =45. Since in this case =30, the component ry will be
less than rx or 3.0 cm.

4. (c) Find ry : ry = r sin = ( 3.5 cm ) sin 30 = 1.7 cm

Insight: Any vector can be resolved into two components. The ability to convert a vector to and from its components is
an essential skill for solving many physics problems.

14. Picture the Problem: The trip takes you toward the east first and then
toward the north. The vector is depicted at right. r 340 ft
Strategy: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the magnitude and
the inverse tangent function to determine the angle. 680 ft

( 680 ft ) + ( 340 ft ) = 760 ft


2 2
Solution: 1. (a) Find the magnitude of r : r=

2. (b) I estimate an angle of close to 30 based on the sketch above.

340 ft
3. (c) Use the inverse tangent function to find : = tan 1 = 27 north of east
680 ft
Insight: It may be helpful for you to review the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent before tackling other
problems in this chapter.

15. Picture the Problem: The two vectors A (length 50 units) and B (length 120 units) are drawn y
at right.

Strategy: Resolve B into its x and y components to answer the questions. A


x
Solution: 1. (a) Find Bx: Bx = (120 units ) cos 70 = 41 units 70

2. Since the vector A points entirely in the x direction, we can see that Ax = 50 units and that
vector A has the greater x component. B
3. (b) Find By: Bx = (120 units ) sin 70 = 113 units

4. The vector A has no y component, so it is clear that vector B has the greater y component.
Insight: Any vector can be resolved into two components. The ability to convert a vector to and from its components is
an essential skill for solving many physics problems.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
35
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

16. Picture the Problem: The four possible locations of the treasure are A C
labeled A, B, C, and D in the figure at right. The position vector for 22.0 m 22.0 m
location A is also drawn. North is up and east is to the right. 5.00 m
A A 15.0 m D
B
Strategy: Use the vector components to find the magnitude and direction
of each vector. palm tree

( 22.0 m ) + (15.0 + 5.00 m ) = 29.7 m


2 2
Solution: 1. Find the magnitude of A : A=

22.0 m
2. Find the direction (from north) of A : A = tan 1 = 47.7 west of north
15.0 + 5.00 m

( 22.0 m ) + (15.0 5.00 m ) = 24.2 m


2 2
3. Find the magnitude of B : B=

22.0 m
4. Find the direction (from north) of B : B = tan 1 = 65.6 west of north
15.0 5.00 m

( 22.0 m ) + (15.0 + 5.00 m ) = 29.7 m


2 2
5. Find the magnitude of C : C=

22.0 m
6. Find the direction (from north) of C : C = tan 1 = 47.7 east of north
15.0 + 5.00 m

( 22.0 m ) + (15.0 5.00 m ) = 24.2 m


2 2
7. Find the magnitude of D : D=

22.0 m
8. Find the direction (from north) of D : D = tan 1 = 65.6 east of north
15.0 5.00 m
Insight: If you ever find a treasure map like this one, youll be glad you mastered vectors in physics!

17. Picture the Problem: The whale dives along a straight line tilted 20.0
below horizontal for 150 m as shown in the figure.
Strategy: Resolve the whales displacement vector into horizontal and
vertical components in order to find its depth ry and its horizontal travel
distance rx.

Solution: 1. (a) The depth is given by ry: ry = r sin = (150 m ) sin ( 20.0 ) = 51 m

2. (b) The horizontal travel distance is given by rx: rx = r cos = (150 m ) cos ( 20.0 ) = 140 m = 0.14 km

Insight: Note that both answers are limited to two significant figures, because although 20.0 has three, 150 m has
only two significant figures.

18. Picture the Problem: Consider the two vectors A and B depicted in the figure.

Strategy: Remember the rules of adding and subtracting vectors. Vectors are
always added head-to-tail. To subtract vectors, reverse the direction of the
negative vector and add it head-to-tail to the positive vector.

Solution: 1. (a) To add A + B we must move B so that its tail is on the head of
A . The resultant vector starts at the tail of A and ends at the head of B , so it
points up and to the right like vector E .

2. (b) To subtract A B we must reverse B (so that it points to the left) and add it head-to-tail to A . The resultant
vector points up and to the left like vector F .
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36
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

3. (c) To subtract B A we must reverse A (so that it points down) and add it head-to-tail to B . The resultant vector
points down and to the right like vector D .
Insight: In the figure the vector C points in a similar direction to A B .

19. Picture the Problem: Consider the six vectors A through F depicted in the
figure.
Strategy: Remember the rules of adding and subtracting vectors. Vectors are
always added head-to-tail.

Solution: 1. (a) To add A + D we must move D so that its tail is on the head of
A . The resultant vector starts at the tail of A and ends at the head of D , so it
points up and to the right but is shorter than A . By the same analysis the vector
A + E , however, points up and to the right and is longer than A . We conclude that the magnitude of A + D is
less than the magnitude of A + E .
2. (b) As discussed in step 1, the vector A + E points up and to the right and is longer than A . Likewise the vector
A + F points up and to the left and is longer than A . We note the symmetry of the vectors E and F and conclude that
the magnitude of A + E is equal to the magnitude of A + F .
Insight: In a similar fashion the vectors A + D and A + C would be equal in magnitude.

20. Picture the Problem: The two vectors A (length 40.0 m) and B (length 75.0 m) are y
B A
drawn at right.

Strategy: Add vectors A and B using the vector component method. 50.0 C
x
20.0
Solution: 1. (a) A sketch (not to scale) of the vectors and their sum is shown at right.

2. (b) Add the x components: Cx = Ax + Bx = ( 40.0 m ) cos ( 20.0 ) + ( 75.0 m ) cos ( 50.0 ) = 85.8 m

3. Add the y components: C y = Ay + By = ( 40.0 m ) sin ( 20.0 ) + ( 75.0 m ) sin ( 50.0 ) = 43.8 m

(85.8 m ) + ( 43.8 m ) = 96.3 m


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of C : C = C x + C y =
2 2

Cy 1 43.8 m
5. Find the direction of C : C = tan 1 = tan = 27.0
C
x 85.8 m

Insight: Resolving vectors into components takes a little bit of extra effort, but you can get much more accurate
answers using this approach than by using a ruler and protractor to add the vectors graphically.

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37
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

21. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at
right. The control tower (CT) is at the origin and north is up in the diagram.

Strategy: Subtract vector B from A using the vector component method.

Solution: 1. (a) A sketch of the vectors and their difference is shown at right.

2. (b) Subtract the x components: Dx = Ax Bx = ( 220 km ) cos (180 32 ) (140 km ) cos ( 90 65 ) = 310 km

3. Subtract the y components: Dy = Ay By = ( 220 km ) sin (180 32 ) (140 km ) sin ( 90 65 ) = 57 km

( 310 km ) + ( 57 km ) = 320 km = 3.2 105 m


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of D: D = Dx2 + Dy2 =

Dy 1 57 km
5. Find the direction of D: D = tan 1 = tan = 10 + 180 = 170 or 10 north of west
Dx 310 km

Insight: Resolving vectors into components takes a little bit of extra effort, but you can get much more accurate
answers using this approach than by adding the vectors graphically. Notice, however, that when your calculator returns
10 as the angle in step 5, you must have a picture of the vectors in your head (or on paper) to correctly determine the
direction.

22. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at y
right. v i

Strategy: Subtract vector v i from v f using the vector component vf


v
method.
75
Solution: 1. (a) A sketch of the vectors and their difference is shown at x
right. vi

2. (b) Subtract the x components: vx = vf , x vi,x = ( 66 km/h ) cos ( 75 ) ( 45 km/h ) cos ( 0 ) = 28 km/h

3. Subtract the y components: v y = vf , y vi,y = ( 66 km/h ) sin ( 75 ) ( 45 km/h ) sin ( 0 ) = 64 km/h

( 28 km/h ) + ( 64 km/h ) = 70 km/h


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of v : v = vx2 + v y2 =

v y 1 64 km/h
5. Find the direction of v : v = tan 1 = tan = 66 + 180 = 114 where the angle is
vx 28 km/h
measured counterclockwise from the positive x axis.
Insight: Resolving vectors into components takes a little bit of extra effort, but you can get much more accurate
answers using this approach than by adding the vectors graphically. Notice, however, that when your calculator returns
66 as the angle in step 5, you must have a picture of the vectors in your head (or on paper) to correctly determine the
direction.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
38
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

23. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at right.

Strategy: Deduce the x and y components of B from the information given about
A and C . Use the known components to estimate the length and direction of B
as well as calculate them precisely.
Solution: 1. (a) A sketch of the vectors is shown at right.

2. (b) The vector B must have an x component of 75 m so that when it is added to


A the x components will cancel out. It must also have a y component of 95 m
because that is the length of C and A has no y component to contribute.
Therefore B must be longer than either A or C and it must have an angle of
greater than 90. I estimate that its length is about 120 m and that it points at about
130.

3. (c) Using the known components of B B = (75 m) 2 + (95 m) 2 = 121 m


we can find its magnitude:
95 m
4. Find the direction of B : B = tan 1
= 52 + 180 = 128
75 m
Insight: Here the length and direction of B are determined by its x and y components, which are determined from A
and C . Learning to manipulate vector components will be a useful skill when tackling many physics problems.

24. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at right. y

Strategy: Since A points entirely in the x direction, and B points entirely in the y 30
direction, A and B are the x and y components of their sum A + B . Use the
A+B
known lengths of A + B and A to find B.
B
Solution: 1. Set the length of 37 = A2 + B 2
A + B equal to 37 units: 37 2 = A2 + B 2 x
22 A O
2
2. Solve for B: B = 372 A2 = 372 ( 22 ) = 30 units

Insight: Here the length of B is determined by the lengths of the other two vectors because the directions of A and
B are stipulated. Learning to manipulate vector components will be a useful skill when tackling many physics
problems.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
39
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

25. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted y
at right.
BA

Strategy: Use the vector component method of addition and subtraction


O B A B
to determine the components of each combination of A and B . Once x
A B A+B 10
the components are known, the length and direction of each combination
can be determined fairly easily. A A+B
AB 5

Solution: 1. (a) Determine the components of A + B : A + B = ( 5 ) y + (10 ) x = 10x 5y

2. Find the magnitude of A + B : A+B = (10 ) + ( 5)


2 2
= 11 units

3. Determine the direction of A + B , measured 5


A + B = tan 1 = 27 or 333
counterclockwise from the positive x axis. 10

4. (b) Determine the components of A B : A B = ( 5 ) y (10 ) x = 10x 5y

5. Find the magnitude of A B : AB = ( 10 ) + ( 5)


2 2
= 11 units

6. Determine the direction of A B , measured 5


A B = tan 1 = 27 + 180 = 207
counterclockwise from the positive x axis. 10

7. (c) Determine the components of B A : B A = (10 ) x ( 5 ) y = 10x + 5y

8. Find the magnitude of B A : BA = (10 ) + ( 5)


2 2
= 11 units

9. Determine the direction of B A , measured 5


B A = tan 1 = 27
counterclockwise from the positive x axis. 10
Insight: This problem is simplified by the fact that A and B have only one component each, but a similar approach
will work even with more complicated vectors. Notice that you must have a picture of the vectors in your head (or on
paper) in order to correctly interpret the directions in steps 3, 6, and 9.

26. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are y
depicted at right. B 30
C
A+B+C
Strategy: Add the vectors using the component method in order to x

find the components of the vector sum. Use the components to
find the magnitude and the direction of the vector sum.

A 45

Solution: 1. (a) Make estimates A + B + C 20 m 1.5


from the drawing:

2. (b) Add the vector components: A + B + C = 0 + ( 20.0 m ) cos 45 + ( 7.0 m ) cos ( 30 ) x +


( 10.0 m ) + ( 20.0 m ) sin 45 + ( 7.0 m ) sin ( 30 ) y
A + B + C = ( 20.2 m ) x + ( 0.64 m ) y

3. Use the components to find the magnitude: A+B+C = ( 20.2 m )2 + ( 0.64 m )2 = 20.2 m

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3 10
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

0.64 m
4. Use the components to find the angle: = tan 1 = 1.8
20.2 m
Insight: Resolving vectors into components takes a little bit of extra effort, but you can get much more accurate
answers using this approach than by adding the vectors graphically. Notice, however, that when your calculator returns
the angle of 1.8 in step 4, you must have a picture of the vectors in your head (or on paper) to correctly determine the
direction.

27. Picture the Problem: The vector involved in the problem is depicted at right. y
Strategy: Determine the x and y components of and then express them in terms of the unit
vectors. x
42

Solution: 1. Find the x and y components of r : rx = ( 54 m ) cos ( 42 ) = 40 m 54 m


r
ry = ( 54 m ) sin ( 42 ) = 36 m

2. Now express r in terms of the unit vectors: r = ( 40 m ) x + ( 36 m ) y

Insight: In general, an arbitrary two-dimensional vector A can always be written as the sum of a vector component in
the x direction and a vector component in the y direction.

28. Picture the Problem: The vector involved in the problem is depicted at right. y
A
Strategy: Determine the x and y components of A . 145
x
Solution: 1. Find the x component: Ax = ( 3.50 m ) cos (145 ) = 2.87 m

2. Find the y component: Ay = ( 3.50 m ) sin (145 ) = 2.01 m

Insight: Any vector can be resolved into two components. The ability to convert a vector to and from its components is
an essential skill for solving many physics problems.

29. Picture the Problem: The vector A has a length of 6.1 m and points in the negative x direction.
Strategy: In order to multiply a vector by a scalar, you need only multiply each component of the vector by the same
scalar.

Solution: 1. (a) Multiply each component of A by A = ( 6.1 m ) x


3.7:
3.7 A = ( 3.7 )( 6.1 m ) x = ( 23 m ) x so Ax = 23 m

2. (b) Since A has only one component, its magnitude is simply 23 m.


Insight: Multiplying both components of a vector by a scalar will change the length of the vector but not its direction.

30. Picture the Problem: The vector 5.2A has a length of 34 m and points in the positive x direction.

Strategy: Divide the components of the vector 5.2A by 5.2 in order to find the components of A . From there we
can easily find the x component and the magnitude of A .

Solution: 1. (a) Divide both sides by 5.2: 5.2A = ( 34 m ) x


A = ( 6.5 m ) x

2. The vector A has only an x component: Ax = 6.5 m

3. (b) Since A has only one component, its magnitude is simply 6.5 m.
Insight: Dividing each component of a vector by a scalar will change the length of the vector but not its direction.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

31. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at right. y
Strategy: Determine the lengths and directions of the various vectors by using
their x and y components.
A+B
B
Solution: 1. (a) Find the direction of 2.0 m
A = tan 1 = 22 A+B
A from its components: 5.0 m 2.0 m 5.0 m x
O
( 5.0 m ) + ( 2.0 m ) = 5.4 m
2 2
2. Find the magnitude of A : A= 2.0 m A

3. (b) Find the direction of B from its 5.0 m


B = tan 1 = 68 + 180 = 110
components: 2.0 m

( 2.0 m ) + ( 5.0 m ) = 5.4 m


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of B : B=

5. (c) Find the components of A + B : A + B = ( 5.0 2.0 m ) x + ( 2.0 + 5.0 m ) y = ( 3.0 m ) x + ( 3.0 m ) y

3.0 m
6. Find the direction of A + B from its A +B = tan 1 = 45
components: 3.0 m

7. Find the magnitude of A + B : A+B = ( 3.0 m )2 + ( 3.0 m )2 = 4.2 m

Insight: In the world of vectors 5.4 m + 5.4 m can be anything between 0 m and 10.8 m, depending upon the directions
that the vectors point. In this case their sum is 4.2 m.

32. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at right. y
Strategy: Determine the lengths and directions of the various vectors by using their
x and y components.
A+B
Solution: 1. (a) Find the direction of 12 m
A = tan 1 = 26 A+B
A from its components: 25 m B
x
O 25 m
2 2
2. Find the magnitude of A : A= ( 25 m ) + ( 12 m ) = 28 m 12 m A

3. (b) Find the direction of B from 15 m


B = tan 1 = 82
its components: 2.0 m

4. Find the magnitude of B : B= ( 2.0 m )2 + (15 m )2 = 15 m

5. (c) Find the components of A + B = ( 25 + 2.0 m ) x + ( 12 + 15 m ) y = ( 27 m ) x + ( 3.0 m ) y


A+B:
3.0 m
6. Find the direction of A + B from A +B = tan 1 = 6.3
its components: 27 m

7. Find the magnitude of A + B : A+B = ( 27 m )2 + ( 3.0 m )2 = 27 m

Insight: In the world of vectors 28 + 15 m can be anything between 13 m and 43 m, depending upon the directions that
the vectors point. In this case their sum is 27 m.

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3 12
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

33. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in the problem are depicted at
right. A y
Strategy: Since the components of the vectors are known, we need only
add or subtract the components separately as specified in the problem
statement. BA
B
Solution: 1. (a) Subtract A B = ( 25 m 2 m ) x + ( 12 m 15 m ) y 25 m
x
the components: O
= ( 23 m ) x + ( 27 m ) y
A
to part (a) by 1:
(
2. (b) Multiply the answer B A = A B =
) ( 23 m ) x + ( 27 m ) y 12 m

Insight: Adding and subtracting vectors in component form is often AB B


easier than doing so graphically.

34. Picture the Problem: The vectors in the problem are depicted at right.
Strategy: Use the information given in the figure to determine the
components of each vector.
Solution: 1. Find A = (1.5 m ) cos ( 40 ) x + (1.5 m ) sin ( 40 ) y
the components:
A = (1.1 m ) x + ( 0.96 m ) y

2. Repeat for B : B = ( 2.0 m ) cos ( 19 ) ( 2.0 m ) sin ( 19 )


B = (1.9 m ) x + ( 0.65 m ) y

3. Repeat for C : C = (1.0 m ) cos (180 25 ) x + (1.0 m ) sin (180 25 ) y


C = ( 0.91 m ) x + ( 0.42 m ) y

4. Repeat for D : D = 0 x + (1.5 m ) y

Insight: Any vector can be resolved into two components. The ability to convert a vector to and from its components is
an essential skill for solving many physics problems.

35. Picture the Problem: The vectors in the problem are depicted at right.
Strategy: Use the information given in the figure to determine the
components of vectors A, B, and C . Then add the components.
Solution: 1. Add the x Ax = (1.5 m ) cos ( 40 ) = 1.1 m
component of each vector:
Bx = ( 2.0 m ) cos ( 19 ) = 1.9 m
Cx = (1.0 m ) cos (180 25 ) = 0.91 m

( A + B + C) x
= 2.1 m

2. Add the y component of Ay = (1.5 m ) sin ( 40 ) = 0.96 m


each vector:
By = ( 2.0 m ) sin ( 19 ) = 0.65 m
C y = (1.0 m ) sin (180 25 ) = 0.42 m

( A + B + C) y
= 0.74 m

3. Express the sum in unit vector notation: A + B + C = ( 2.1 m ) x + ( 0.74 m ) y

Insight: In this problem the vector component method of addition is much quicker than the graphical method.

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3 13
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

36. Picture the Problem: The various vectors depicted in the diagram
represent position, velocity, or acceleration vectors.
Strategy: We can identify any position vectors because they do not
originate on the particles path (unless the path goes through the origin)
and they always terminate on the path. Velocity vectors must always
originate on the path and point tangent to the path, while acceleration
vectors always originate on the path and could point in any direction. For
uniform circular motion the acceleration vector always points toward the
center of the circle.
Solution: 1. (a) By applying the strategy outlined above we can identify vectors 1 and 5 as position vectors.
2. (b) By applying the strategy outlined above we can identify vectors 2, 3, 7, and 8 as velocity vectors. In principle
they could also be acceleration vectors, but because vectors 2 and 3 have the same length, and vector 4 points toward
the center of the circle, we can assume vectors 2 and 3 are velocity vectors and vector 4 is an acceleration vector.
3. (c) By applying the strategy outlined above we can identify vectors 4 and 6 as acceleration vectors.
Insight: Instantaneous velocity vectors always point tangent to the path, but average velocity vectors might not.

37. Picture the Problem: The two vectors involved in this problem are
depicted in the figure at right.
Strategy: Use the checkerboard squares as a coordinate grid to write
vectors 1 and 2 in component form. Then use the components to
determine the magnitude and direction of each vector.

Solution: 1. (a) Because each vector has components of length 3.5 cm


and 7.0 cm, the magnitude of displacement 1 will be equal to the
magnitude of displacement 2.

2. (b) Find the components of each vector: r1 = ( 7.0 cm ) x + ( 3.5 cm ) y


r2 = ( 3.5 cm ) x + ( 7.0 cm ) y

( 7.0 cm ) + ( 3.5 cm ) = 7.8 cm


2 2
3. Use the components to find the magnitude and r1 =
direction of displacement 1:
3.5 cm
1 = tan 1 = 27 + 180 = 153
7.0 cm

( 3.5 cm ) + ( 7.0 cm ) = 7.8 cm


2 2
4. Use the components to find the magnitude and r2 =
direction of displacement 2:
7.0 cm
2 = tan 1 = 63
3.5 cm
Insight: Because the magnitude of a vector depends upon the squares of the components, it does not matter that the x
component of displacement 1 is negative; the displacements still have equal magnitudes.

38. Picture the Problem: The displacement vectors are depicted at right. North is in
the y direction and east is in the x direction. y
B
Strategy: Sum the components of the vectors in order to determine A + B . 120 m
Multiply that vector by 1 in order to reverse its direction. Then find the
magnitude and direction of the reversed vector.

Solution: 1. (a) Add the two displacement A + B = ( 72 m ) x + (120 m ) y (


A+B ) A
vectors:
x
2. Multiply by 1 in order to reverse the
direction of the net displacement and bring the
( )
A + B = ( 72 m ) x + ( 120 m ) y 72 m O
cat back home:

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3 14
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

3. Find the magnitude of the desired (


A+B = ) ( 72 m )
2
+ (120 m ) = 140 m
2

displacement:
120 m
4. Find the direction of the desired = tan 1 = 59 = 59 south of east
displacement: 72 m
5. (b) Vector addition is independent of the order in which the addition is accomplished. The initial displacement is the
same, so there is no change in the displacement for the homeward part of the trip.
Insight: In this problem we could claim the cats initial displacement is a single vector with the given components. The
answers wouldnt change, but it would simplify the solution a little bit.

39. Picture the Problem: The two legs of the cats path are indicated at right. North is y
in the y direction and east is in the x direction. B
120 m
Strategy: Determine the displacement from the known vectors that make up the
two legs of the cats journey. Divide the displacement by the total time of travel to
A
find the average velocity. Use the x and y components of the average velocity to
r = A + B
determine its magnitude and direction.

Solution: 1. Determine r = A + B = (120 m ) y + ( 72 m ) x x
the displacement: 72 m O

2. Divide by the total time r 72 m 1min 120 m 1min


v av = = x + y
(45 min + 17 min = 62 min) t 62 min 60s 62 m 60s
to find the average velocity: = ( 0.019 m/s ) x + ( 0.032 m/s ) y

3. Determine the magnitude


( 0.019 m/s ) + ( 0.032 m/s ) = 0.037 m/s
2 2
vav =
of the velocity:

120 m
4. Determine the direction = tan 1 = 59 + 180 = 121
of the velocity: 72 m
= 121 or 31 west of north
d 120 + 72 m
Insight: The average speed would be calculated differently: s = = = 0.052 m/s. The
t ( 45 + 17 min ) 60 s/min
average speed is faster than the average velocity because the total distance traveled is larger than the displacement.

40. Picture the Problem: You travel due west for 125 s at 27 m/s then due south at 14 m/s for 66 s.
Strategy: Find the components of the displacement vector. Once the components are known the magnitude and
direction can be easily found. Let north be the positive y direction and east be the positive x direction.
Solution: 1. Find the westward displacement: rx = vx t = ( 27 m/s )(125 s ) = 3375 m

2. Find the southward displacement: ry = v y t = ( 14 m/s )( 66 s ) = 924 m

3. Find the direction of the displacement: ry 1 924 m


= tan 1 = tan = 15 + 180 = 195
rx 3375 m
or 15 south of west

( 3375 m ) + ( 924 m ) = 3500 m = 3.5 km


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of the displacement: r=

Insight: The 15 refers to the angle below the negative x axis (west) because the argument of the inverse tangent
function is ry rx , or south divided by west.

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3 15
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

41. Picture the Problem: You travel due east 1500 ft then due north 2500 ft.
Strategy: The components of the displacement are given, from which we can determine the magnitude and direction
fairly easily. The direction of the average velocity will be the same as the direction of the displacement. The magnitude
of the average velocity is the magnitude of the displacement divided by the total time of travel. Let north be the positive
y direction and east be the positive x direction.

ry 1 2500 ft
Solution: 1. Find the direction of the displacement: = tan 1 = tan = 59 north of east
rx 1500 ft

(1500 ft ) + ( 2500 ft ) = 2900 ft 0.305 m/ft = 890 m


2 2
2. Find the magnitude of the displacement: r=

3. Find the magnitude of the average velocity: r 890 m


vav = = = 4.9 m/s
t 3.0 min 60 s/min
Insight: The 59 refers to the angle above the positive x axis (east) because the argument of the inverse tangent function
is ry rx , or north divided by east.

42. Picture the Problem: The jogger runs at 3.25 m/s in a direction 30.0 above the positive x axis.
Strategy: Find the components of the velocity vector according to the method indicated in Figure 3-7(a).
Solution: 1. (a) Find the x component of v : vx = ( 3.25 m/s ) cos ( 30.0 ) = 2.81 m/s

2. Find the y component of v : v y = ( 3.25 m/s ) sin ( 30.0 ) = 1.63 m/s

3. (b) If the joggers speed is halved, the direction will remain unchanged but the x and y components will be halved.
Insight: In this case the angle of 30.0 corresponds to the standard angle as indicated in Figure 3-7(a).

43. Picture the Problem: The ball rises straight upward, momentarily comes to rest, and then falls straight downward.
Strategy: After it leaves your hand the only acceleration of the ball is due to gravity, so we expect the answer to be
9.81 m/s2. To calculate the acceleration we need only consider the initial and final velocities and the time elapsed.
Because of the symmetry of the situation, the final velocity downward will have the same magnitude as the initial
velocity upward. Apply equation 3-5, taking upward to be the positive direction.
v f vi ( 4.5 m/s ) y ( 4.5 m/s ) y
Solution: Apply equation 3-5: aav = = = ( 9.8 m/s 2 ) y
t 0.92 s
Insight: We saw in Chapter 2 how a uniform acceleration will produce a symmetric trajectory, with the time to rise to
the peak of flight equaling the time to fall back down, and with equal initial and final speeds.

44. Picture the Problem: The skateboarder rolls down the ramp that is inclined 20.0 above the horizontal.
Strategy: To calculate the acceleration we need only consider the initial and final velocities and the time elapsed.
Apply equation 3-5, taking the direction down the ramp to be the positive direction.
v f vi (10.0 m/s ) ( 0 m/s )
Solution: 1. Apply equation 3-5: aav = = = 3.33 m/s 2
t 3.00 s

2. Compare with g sin : g sin = ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) sin ( 20.0 ) = 3.36 m/s 2

Insight: The two are equal to within rounding errors. Or perhaps there was a small amount of friction between the
skateboard wheels and the ramp. In Chapter 5 well be able to rigorously prove the two are equal using a free body
diagram. See, for instance, Example 5-9.

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3 16
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

45. Picture the Problem: The skateboarder rolls down the ramp that is inclined 17.5 above the horizontal.
Strategy: The acceleration relates the change in velocity with the time elapsed. Solve equation 3-5 for the final speed,
taking the direction down the ramp to be the positive direction.

Solution: Solve equation 3-5 for v f : v f = vi + a t = 0 + ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) sin (17.5 ) ( 3.25 s ) = 9.59 m/s

Insight: Note that when the vector direction doesnt matter (this is essentially a one-dimensional problem) the equation
3-5 looks exactly like equation 2-7. In Chapter 5 well be able to rigorously prove that a = g sin using a free body
diagram. See, for instance, Example 5-9.

46. Picture the Problem: The initial and final displacement vectors are depicted y
at right.
Strategy: Use the given formulae to determine the components of the initial 3.84108 m
and final positions. Then use those components to find the displacement
vector. Divide the displacement vector by the elapsed time to find the
r
velocity vector, and then determine its magnitude and direction.
rf
Solution: 1. (a) Find the initial ri = ( 3.84 108 m ) {cos [ 0] x + sin [ 0] y }
position vector:
= ( 3.84 108 m ) x ri
x
8
O 3.8410 m
2. Find the arguments of the sine and cosine t = ( 2.46 10 radians/s ) ( 7.38 d 86400 s/d )
6

functions for t = 7.38 days. Let


= 1.57 radians
= 2.46 106 radians/s :
3. Find the final position vector: rf = ( 3.84 108 m ) {cos [t ] x + sin [t ] y }
= ( 3.84 108 m ) {cos [1.57 radians ] x + sin [1.57 radians ] y }
rf = ( 3.06 105 m ) x + ( 3.84 108 m ) y ( 3.84 108 m ) y

4. Find the displacement vector: r = rf ri = ( 3.84 108 m ) y ( 3.84 108 m ) x

r ( 3.84 10 m ) x + ( 3.84 10 m ) y
8 8

5. Find the vector v av : v av = =


t 7.38 d 86400 s/d
v av = ( 602 m/s ) x + ( 602 m/s ) y

( 602 m/s ) + ( 602 m/s ) = 852 m/s


2 2
6. Find the magnitude of v av : vav =

vav, y 1 602 m/s


7. Find the direction of v av : = tan 1 = tan = 45 + 180 = 135
vav, x 602 m/s

8. (b) The instantaneous speed of the Moon is greater than the average velocity because the distance traveled is greater
than the displacement in this case.
Insight: If the Moon had completed an entire orbit, instead of just one-quarter of an orbit, its displacement and its
average velocity would have been zero. Its speed remains constant, however, at about 947 m/s using the data given in
this problem. The given data correspond to a coordinate system where the x direction always points toward the center
of the Sun even as the Earth orbits the Sun.

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3 17
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

47. Picture the Problem: The initial and final velocity vectors are depicted at right. y
Strategy: Use the given formulae to determine the components of the initial and final v
velocities. Then use those components to find the change in velocity vector. Divide the 945 m/s
change in velocity vector by the elapsed time to find the acceleration vector, and then
determine its magnitude and direction.
vf
vi
Solution: 1. (a) Find v i = ( 945 m/s ) { sin [ 0] x + cos [ 0] y }
the initial velocity vector:
= ( 945 m/s ) y
x
O
2. Find the arguments of the sine t = ( 2.46 106 radians/s ) ( 0.100 d 86400 s/d )
and cosine functions for t = 0.100
= 0.0213 radians
days. Let = 2.46 106 radians/s :

3. Find the final position vector: v f = ( 945 m/s ) { sin [ t ] x + cos [ t ] y }


= ( 945 m/s ) { sin [ 0.0213 radians ] x + cos [ 0.0213 radians ] y }
v f = ( 20.1 m/s ) x + ( 945 m/s ) y

v f v i ( 20.1 m/s ) x ( 945 m/s ) y ( 945 m/s ) y


4. Find the acceleration vector: a= = = ( 0.00233 m/s 2 ) x
t 0.100 d 86400 s/d

5. (b) Find the arguments of t = ( 2.46 106 radians/s ) ( 0.0100 d 86400 s/d )
the sine and cosine functions
= 0.00213 radians
for t = 0.0100 days:

6. Find the final position vector: v f = ( 945 m/s ) { sin [t ] x + cos [ t ] y }


= ( 945 m/s ) { sin [ 0.00213 radians ] x + cos [ 0.00213 radians ] y }
v f = ( 2.01 m/s ) x + ( 945 m/s ) y

v f v i ( 2.01 m/s ) x ( 945 m/s ) y ( 945 m/s ) y


7. Find the acceleration vector: a= = = ( 0.00233 m/s 2 ) x
t 0.0100 d 86400 s/d
Insight: The two answers ended up being the same because both time intervals are fairly small. If instead we had
examined an interval of 1.00 days there would have been a y component of v and a slightly different acceleration.
In Chapter 6 we will examine circular motion and find an even easier way to calculate the acceleration of the Moon.
The given data in this problem correspond to a coordinate system where the x direction always points toward the center
of the Sun even as the Earth orbits the Sun.

48. Picture the Problem: The photo shows two airplanes flying together during a midair refueling operation.
Strategy: Take note of the fact that if the two aircraft have different velocities they could not remain joined together for
more than an instant.
Solution: 1. (a) The aircraft being refueled must have the same velocity as the KC-10A, or 125 m/s due east.
2. (b) The aircraft being refueled must have zero velocity relative to the KC-10A.
Insight: As the aircraft being refueled approaches the KC-10A it must have a slightly higher speed than the KC-10A,
and then needs a slightly lower speed in order to pull away from the KC-10A after refueling.

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3 18
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

49. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right. v ag v ap
Strategy: Let v pg = planes velocity with respect to the ground, v ap = attendants
velocity with respect to the plane, and add the vectors according to equation 3-8 to v pg
find v ag = attendants velocity with respect to the ground.

Solution: 1. Apply equation 3-8: v ag = v ap + v pg = ( 1.22 m/s ) x + (16.5 m/s ) x = (15.3 m/s ) x
vag = 15.3 m/s

Insight: If the attendant were walking toward the front of the plane, her speed relative to the ground would be
17.7 m/s, slightly faster than the airplanes speed.

50. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right.
Strategy: The x-component of the velocity was chosen perpendicular to the
motion of the river. Therefore, the motion of the river will not affect the time it
takes to travel across it. Divide the width of the river by the x component of the
boats velocity to find the time it takes to cross the river.
Solution: 1. Find the v bw = ( 6.1 m/s ) cos 25 x + ( 6.1 m/s ) sin 25 y
velocity of the boat relative
= ( 5.5 m/s ) x + ( 2.6 m/s ) y
to the water:

2. Find the velocity of the v bg = ( 5.5 m/s ) x + ( 2.6 1.4 m/s ) y


boat relative to the ground:
= ( 5.5 m/s ) x + (1.2 m/s ) y

3. Divide the width of the x 35 m


t= = = 6.4 s
river by the x component of vbg, x 5.5 m/s
v bg :

Insight: In real life the velocity of the boat would not be constant during the trip across the river; the boat would have to
accelerate from rest at one side of the river and then decelerate as it approached the opposite shore, making the travel
time significantly longer than 6.4 s.

51. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right.
v yw v wg
Strategy: Let v yw = your velocity with respect to the walkway, v wg = walkways
velocity with respect to the ground, and add the vectors according to equation 3-8 to v yg
find v yg = your velocity with respect to the ground. Then find the time it takes you
to travel the 85-m distance.

Solution: 1. Find your velocity x 85 m


with respect to the walkway:
v yw = x = x = (1.25 m/s ) x
t 68 s
2. Apply equation 3-8 to find
v yg = v yw + v wg = (1.25 m/s ) x + ( 2.2 m/s ) x = ( 3.45 m/s ) x
your velocity with respect to the
ground:
x 85 m
3. Now find the time of travel: t= = = 25 s
vyg 3.45 m/s

Insight: The moving walkway slashed your time of travel from 68 s to 25 s, a factor of 2.7! Note that we bent the
significant figures rules a little bit by not rounding v yw to 1.3 m/s. This helped us avoid rounding error.

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3 19
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

52. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right.
Strategy: Let v yw = your velocity with respect to the walkway, v wg = walkways v wg
velocity with respect to the ground, and add the vectors according to equation 3-8 v yw v yg
to find v yg = your velocity with respect to the ground. Then find the time it takes
you to travel the 85-m distance.

Solution: 1. Find your velocity with x 85 m


respect to the walkway:
v yw = x = x = ( 1.3 m/s ) x
t 68 s
2. Apply equation 3-8 to find your velocity
v yg = v yw + v wg = ( 1.3 m/s ) x + ( 2.2 m/s ) x = ( 0.9 m/s ) x
with respect to the ground:
x 85 m
3. Now find the time of travel: t= = = 90 s
vyg 0.9 m/s

Insight: Going the wrong way on the moving walkway increases your time of travel from 68 s to about 90 s.

53. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted
at right.

Strategy: Let v pg = velocity of the plane relative to the ground, v pa =


velocity of the plane relative to the air, and v ag = velocity of the air
relative to the ground. The drawing at right depicts the vectors added
according to equation 3-8, v pg = v pa + vag . Determine the angle of the
triangle from the inverse sine function.

vag 1 65 km/h
Solution: 1. (a) Use the inverse sine function to find : = sin 1 = sin = 11 west of north
v 340 km/h
pa
2. (b) The drawing above depicts the vectors.
3. (c) If the plane reduces its speed but the wind velocity remains the same, the angle found in part (a) should be
increased in order for the plane to continue flying due north.
Insight: If the planes speed were to be reduced to 240 km/h, the required angle would become 16.

54. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right. N
Strategy: Let v pf = the passengers velocity relative to the ferry, v pw = the v fw
E
passengers velocity relative to the water, and v fw = the ferrys velocity relative to the
water. Apply equation 3-8 and solve for v fw . Once the components of v fw are known,
its magnitude and direction can be determined. v pw

Solution: 1. Solve equation 3-8 for v fw : v pw = v pf + v fw 30 v pf


v fw = v pw v pf

2. Determine the components of v fw : v fw = ( 4.50 m/s ) sin 30 x + ( 4.50 m/s ) cos 30 y (1.50 m/s ) y
v fw = ( 2.25 m/s ) x + ( 2.40 m/s ) y

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3 20
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

vfw, x
= tan 1
3. Find the direction of v fw : 2.25 m/s
= tan 1 = 43 west of north
vfw, y 2.40 m/s

( 2.25 m/s ) + ( 2.40 m/s ) = 3.29 m/s


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of v fw : vfw = vfw,
2
x + vfw, y =
2

Insight: If the person were to walk even faster with respect to the ferry, then v fw would have to be shorter and point
more in the westerly direction.

55. Picture the Problem: The situation is similar to that depicted in the figure at
right, except the boat is supposed to be a jet ski.
Strategy: Place the x-axis perpendicular to the flow of the river, such that the
river is flowing in the negative y-direction. Let v bw = jet skis velocity relative to
the water, v bg = jet skis velocity relative to the ground, and v wg = waters
velocity relative to the ground. Use equation 3-8 to find the vector v bw , and then
determine its magnitude.
Solution: 1. Solve eq. 3-8 for v bw : v bg = v bw + v wg v bw = v bg v wg

2. Find the components of v bg : v bg = ( 9.5 m/s ) cos 20.0 x + ( 9.5 m/s ) sin 20.0 y
= ( 8.9 m/s ) x + ( 3.2 m/s ) y

3. Subtract to find v bw : v bw = v bg v wg = ( 8.9 m/s ) x + ( 3.2 m/s ) y ( 2.8 m/s ) y


= ( 8.9 m/s ) x + ( 6.0 m/s ) y

(8.9 m/s ) + ( 6.0 m/s ) = 11 m/s


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of v bw : vbw =

Insight: Note that the 35 angle is extraneous information for this problem. If we work backwards to find the angle
from the components of v bw we get = tan 1 ( 6.0 8.9 ) = 34 , not exactly 35 due to rounding errors.

56. Picture the Problem: The situation is depicted in the figure at right, except the
boat is supposed to be a jet ski.
Strategy: Place the x-axis perpendicular to the flow of the river, such that the
river is flowing in the negative y-direction. Let v bw = jet skis velocity
relative to the water, v bg = jet skis velocity relative to the ground, and
v wg = waters velocity relative to the ground. Set the y component of v bw
equal to the magnitude of v wg so that they cancel, leaving only an x
component of v bg . Then determine the angle .

Solution: 1. (a) Set vbw, y + vwg, y = 0 and solve for : vbw, y = vbw sin = vwg, y
vwg, y ( 2.8 m/s )
= sin 1 1
= sin = 13
vbw 12 m/s
2. (b) Increasing the jet skis speed relative to the water will increase vbw and therefore decrease the angle .

Insight: Airplanes must also make heading adjustments like the jet skis in order to fly in a certain direction when there
is a steady wind present.

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3 21
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

57. Picture the Problem: The vectors for Jet Ski A and B are depicted at v bw
right. Note that v bw has the same magnitude for each jet ski but if you
inspect the diagram for Jet Ski B you can see that vbw > vbg,B . Jet Ski A v wg
v bg,A
Strategy: Use the x components of the velocities of each jet ski relative to
the ground to determine the time required for each jet ski to cross the river.

Solution: 1. (a) The time required for each jet ski to cross the river equals v bw
the width of the river divided by the x component of the jet skis velocity Jet Ski B v wg
relative to the ground. From the diagrams you can see that the x compo- 35
nent of v bg,A equals v bw , but that the x component of v bg,B is shorter than v bg,B
v bw . Therefore Jet Ski A has a higher velocity in the x direction relative to the ground, and will cross the river first.
xriver
tA vbg, A, x vbg, B, x vbw cos 35
2. (b) Find the ratio of the times: = = = = 0.82
tB xriver vbg, A, x vbw
vbg, B, x
Insight: The ratio is less than one, so t A < t B and Jet Ski A reaches the opposite shore first. Remember this the next
time you race jet skis across a flowing river!

58. Picture the Problem: Vector A points in the positive x direction and vector B points in the negative x direction.
Strategy: Use the definitions of vector magnitude and direction to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) The magnitude of a vector is determined by its length and is independent of its direction. Therefore we
note that the magnitude of A = (1.2 m ) x is less than the magnitude of B = ( 3.4 m ) x :

2. (b) The best explanation is I. The number 3.4 is greater than the number 1.2. Statement II is true, but not relevant,
and statement III is true, but not relevant because the magnitude of a vector is independent of its direction.

Insight: Even if the signs were reversed the magnitude of A = ( 1.2 m ) x = 1.2 m would still be smaller than

B = ( 3.4 m ) x = 3.4 m. The magnitude of a vector is independent of its direction.

59. Picture the Problem: Vector A points in the negative x direction and vector B points in the positive y direction.
Strategy: Use the procedure for multiplying a vector by a scalar to answer the conceptual question.

Solution: 1. (a) The magnitude of 1.4 A = 1.4 ( 2.2 m ) x = 3.1 m is equal to the magnitude of

2.2B = 2.2 (1.4 m ) y = 3.1 m.

2. (b) The best explanation is II. A number and its negative have the same magnitude. Statement I is true, but not
relevant, and statement III is false (the vectors are perpendicular).

Insight: Even if the signs of each vector were reversed the products 1.4A and 2.2B would have the same magnitude.

60. Picture the Problem: The ramp is depicted at right.


10.0 ft
Strategy: Use the inverse sine function to find the angle using the 3.00 ft
pertinent sides of the triangle.
height y
Solution: 1. Write the definition of the sine function: sin = =
length r

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3 22
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

3.00 ft
2. Use the inverse sine function to find the angle: = sin 1 = 17.5
10.0 ft
Insight: Finding a right triangle in any physics problem allows you to use the arsenal of trigonometric tools to find
various other quantities of interest. Learn to find them!

61. Picture the Problem: The vector components of A and B are specified in the problem. Measure positive angles to be
counterclockwise from the positive x axis.

Strategy: Multiply each component of A by 2 and add them to B . Use the resulting components to determine the
direction and magnitude of the sum.

Solution: 1. Multiply and add the components: 2 A + B = 2 (12.1 m ) x + ( 32.2 m ) y = ( 24.2 m ) x + ( 32.2 m ) y

2. Find the angle: 32.2 m


= tan 1 = 53.1 or 307
24.2 m

( 24.2 m ) + ( 32.2 m )
2 2
3. Find the magnitude of the vector sum: 2A + B = = 40.3 m

Insight: Once the components of the vectors are known it is a fairly straightforward procedure to determine the scalar
product, sum, magnitude, and direction.

62. Picture the Problem: The x and y components of a vector are each negative.
Strategy: Use your knowledge of the quadrants of the coordinate system to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: The quadrant in which both vector components are negative is the third quadrant, where the direction angle is
between 180 and 270.
Insight: If the x component were negative but the y component were positive, the vector would lie in the second
quadrant and its direction angle would be between 90 and 180.

63. Picture the Problem: The x component of a vector is positive but the y component is negative.
Strategy: Use your knowledge of the quadrants of the coordinate system to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: The quadrant in which the x component of a vector is positive but the y component is negative is the fourth
quadrant, where the direction angle is between 270 and 360.
Insight: If the x and y components were each positive, the vector would lie in the first quadrant and its direction angle
would be between 0 and 90.

64. Picture the Problem: The vector components of A B , C , and A + B + C are specified in the problem.

Strategy: Use the given vector components to write three equations and solve them for A and B .

Solution: 1. Add the three given equations to solve for A : A + B + C = (13.8 m ) x


AB = ( 51.4 m ) x
C = ( 62.2 m ) x
Add: 2A = ( 99.8 m ) x A = ( 49.9 m ) x

2. Now substitute the known vector A into the second ( 49.9 m ) x B = ( 51.4 m ) x
equation: B = (1.5 m ) x

Insight: None of the vectors have any y component. If they did, the problem would be a bit more difficult but still
solvable as long as the number of unknowns is less than or equal to the number of equations.

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3 23
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

65. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are illustrated
at right.
Strategy: The x component of the balls velocity with respect to the train
must be equal and opposite to the trains velocity in order for Gary to see
the ball rise straight upward. That fact, together with the angle of the
throw, can be used to find the speed vbt of Michelles throw as well as the
speed vbg of the ball according to Gary.
65.0
Solution: 1. (a) Michelle must have thrown the ball toward the rear of the
train so that v tg could cancel out the x component of v bt and leave v bg
completely vertical.
2. (b) Set the magnitudes vbt, x = vbt cos ( 65.0 ) = vtg, x
of the x components of
vtg, x 8.35 m/s
v bt and v tg and solve vbt = = = 19.8 m/s
cos ( 65.0 ) cos ( 65.0 )
for vbt :

3. (c) The magnitude of vbg equals the y component of v bt : vbg = (19.8 m/s ) sin ( 65.0 ) = 17.9 m/s

Insight: Gary and Michelle disagree on the path taken by the ball, but each agree on the acceleration and time of flight.
Well learn more about relative motion in Chapter 29.

66. Picture the Problem: The displacement vectors of the Hummer are depicted at right. B
Strategy: Find the displacement vectors A and B using the given speed and time y
information. Use those vector components to find the final displacement vector C .
Divide the displacement vector C by the time in order to find the direction and speed
of travel on the final leg. Let north point in the y direction and east in the x A
25
direction. C

Solution: 1. Find the vector A : A = v A t A sin ( 25 ) x + v A t A cos ( 25 ) y


= ( 6.5 km/h )(15 min 1 h/60 min ) x
O
sin ( 25 ) x + cos ( 25 ) y
A = ( 0.69 km ) x + (1.5 km ) y

2. Find the vector B : B = vB t B x = (12 km/h )( 7.5 min 1 h/60 min ) x = (1.5 km ) x

3. Find the vector C : ( )


C = A + B = ( Ax + Bx ) x ( Ay + By ) y
= ( 0.69 + 1.5 km ) x (1.5 + 0 km ) y
C = ( 0.81 km ) x + ( 1.5 km ) y

Cy 1 1.5 km
4. Find the direction angle : = tan 1 = tan = 62 south of west
C x 0.81 km

( 0.81 km ) + (1.5 km )
2 2
C
5. Find the speed of travel: vC = = = 4.6 km/h
t 22 min 1 h/60 min
Insight: Once the components of the vectors are known it is a fairly straightforward procedure to determine the scalar
product, sum, magnitude, and direction.

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3 24
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

67. Picture the Problem: The three-dimensional vector is depicted at right.


Strategy: Determine the z component of A by applying the cosine function to the
right triangle formed in the z direction. Then find the projection of A onto the xy
plane (A sin 55) in order to find the x and y components of A .
Solution: 1. Find the z component of A : Az = ( 65 m ) cos 55 = 37 m

2. Find the projection onto the xy plane: Axy = A sin 55 = ( 65 m ) sin 55

3. Find the x component of A : Ax = ( 65 m ) sin 55 cos 35 = 44 m

4. Find the y component of A : Ay = ( 65 m ) sin 55 sin 35 = 31 m

Insight: A knowledge of right triangles can help you find the components of even a three-dimensional vector. Once the
components are known, then addition and subtraction of vectors become straightforward procedures.

68. Picture the Problem: The football maintains its horizontal velocity but
increases its vertical velocity in the downward direction.
Strategy: Find the vertical velocity v y of the football after 1.75 s
assuming an initial v y of zero. The football maintains its horizontal
velocity v0 , so the two velocities form the x and y components of the balls
velocity at 1.75 s. Use the components to find the magnitude and direction
of the velocity.
m m
Solution: 1. (a) Use equation 3-6 v f = v 0 + at = 16.6 x + 9.81 2 (1.75 s ) y
to find the components of v f : s s
= (16.6 m/s ) x (17.2 m/s ) y

(16.6 m/s ) + ( 17.2 m/s ) = 23.9 m/s


2 2
2. (b) Find the magnitude of v f : v=

vy 17.2 m/s
3. Find the direction of v f : = tan 1 = tan 1 = 46.0 or 46.0 below horizontal
vx 16.6 m/s
Insight: The motion of the football will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 4 when we consider projectile motion.

69. Picture the Problem: The path of the football traces out a parabola as the velocity increases at a constant rate in the
downward direction, but the velocity in the horizontal direction remains constant.
Strategy: Use equation 3-6 to find the average acceleration over a time interval t . Then substitute the various time
intervals into the formula to find aav .

Solution: 1. (a) Find the average v v t + t v t


a av = =
acceleration as a function of the t t
time interval t .
=
{ } { }
(16.6 m/s ) x ( 9.81 m/s2 ) (t + t ) y (16.6 m/s ) x ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) t y
t
( 9.81 m/s 2 ) t y
a av = = 9.81 m/s 2 y
( )
t

2. Determine aav for t = 1.00 s: aav = ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) y

3. (b) Repeat for t = 2.50 s: aav = ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) y

4. (c) Repeat for t = 5.00 s: aav = ( 9.81 m/s 2 ) y

Insight: The acceleration due to gravity is constant, so the average acceleration is exactly the same at any time.

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3 25
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

70. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are illustrated at right. y
Strategy: Let v1g = velocity of plane 1 relative to the ground, v 2g = velocity of plane 2
relative to the ground, v12 = velocity of plane 1 relative to plane 2, and v 21 = velocity of
plane 2 relative to plane 1 (not pictured). Let north be along the positive y-axis, east v12
along the positive x-axis. Use equation 3-8 to find the components of v12 . Use the v1g
components to find the magnitude and direction.

Solution: 1. (a) Find v12 by v 2g
v1g = v12 + v 2g v12 = v1g v 2g 20
applying equation 3-8: x
O
2. Use the given angles to v12 = (12 m/s ) y
find the components of v12 :
( 7.5 m/s ) cos 20 x + ( 7.5 m/s ) sin 20 y
= ( 7.0 m/s ) x + ( 9.4 m/s ) y

v12, y 1 9.4 m/s


3. Find the direction of v12 : = tan 1 = tan = 53 north of east
v12, x 7.0 m/s

( 7.0 m/s ) + ( 9.4 m/s ) = 12 m/s


2 2
4. Find the magnitude of v12 : v12 =

5. (b) Since v 21 = v12 the vector v 21 has the same magnitude as v12 but points in the opposite direction. Therefore,
v 21 = 12 m/s at 53 south of west .

Insight: There are other ways to approach this problem. For instance, in step 1 we could say v12 = v1g + v g 2 and then
use the fact that v g 2 = v 2 g to write v12 = v1g v 2g . Its a little awkward to use v g 2 , which represents the velocity of
the ground relative to plane 2, but learning to think about velocity from both perspectives can help you solve difficult
vector motion problems.

71. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are illustrated at right. C B
Strategy: To use the graphical method you must make a scale drawing of the vectors and
then measure the vector sum with a ruler. To use the component method you must A D
independently add the x and y components of each vector.
Solution: 1. (a) Using the scale drawing above r 38 ft
you can measure the length of the vector sum:
r = A + B + C + D
2. (b) Independently add the x and y r = A + B + C + D
components of the vector sum: = ( 0 + 45 ft 35 ft + 0 ) x
+ ( 51ft + 0 + 0 13 ft ) y
r = (10 ft ) x + ( 38 ft ) y

(10 ft ) + ( 38 ft ) = 39 ft
2 2
3. Find the magnitude of the sum: r =

rx 1 10 ft
4. Find the direction of the vector sum: = tan 1 = tan = 15 clockwise from A
r 38 ft
y
Insight: When adding vectors graphically you must always ensure you are adding them head-to-tail. The vector sum is
a vector that starts at the beginning of the first vector ( A ) and ends at the end of the last vector ( D ).

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3 26
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

72. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right.
vi 59.0
Strategy: Use the component method of vector subtraction to find v . The average
acceleration is then v divided by the time elapsed. 33.5 vf
Solution: 1. Find the v i = ( 4.10 m/s ) cos 33.5 x + ( 4.10 m/s ) sin 33.5 y
components of v i :
= ( 3.42 m/s ) x + ( 2.26 m/s ) y v

2. Find the components of v f : v f = ( 6.05 m/s ) cos 59.0 x ( 6.05 m/s ) sin 59.0 y
v i
= ( 3.12 m/s ) x + ( 5.19 m/s ) y

3. Subtract the vectors: v = v f v i = ( 3.12 3.42 m/s ) x + ( 5.19 2.26 m/s ) y


= ( 0.30 m/s ) x + ( 7.45 m/s ) y

v ( 0.30 m/s ) x + ( 7.45 m/s ) y


4. Divide by the time elapsed: aav = = = ( 0.15 m/s 2 ) x + ( 3.73 m/s 2 ) y
t 2.00 s

Insight: Subtracting vectors A B is the same as adding B to A . Note that acceleration can change both the
magnitude and the direction of the velocity vectors.

73. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right.
Strategy: Let v bg = velocity of the bus relative to the ground, v rg = velocity of the
v rb v rg
raindrops relative to the ground, and v rb = velocity of the raindrops relative to the bus.
Apply equation 3-8 to form a right triangle of the velocity vectors as shown in the diagram.
Use the right triangle to find the ratio vrg vbg and the value of vrg .
v bg

Solution: 1. (a) Write out equation 3-8: v rg = v rb + v bg

2. The vectors form a right triangle because the rain vrg vrb cos 1 1
falls vertically and the bus travels horizontally. Use = = = = 3.7
vbg vrb sin tan tan15
the triangle indicated in the diagram to find the ratio:
3. (b) Use the ratio to find vrg : vrg = 3.7vbg = 3.7 (18 m/s ) = 67 m/s

Insight: The rain speed is a bit unrealistic; typical values for large raindrops are 10 m/s or about 20 mi/h.

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3 27
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

74. Picture the Problem: The hands of the clock are depicted at right.
Strategy: Find the angles and that correspond to the time of 4:12 and y
then use the angles to find the components of the position vectors for the M
tips of the hands. Then subtract the position vectors to find the tip-to-tip
r = M H
x
distance.
H
Solution: 1. Find the angle : 12 min
= 360 = 72
60 min

4 12
2. Find the angle : = 60
360 = 126 90 = 36
12

3. Find the components of M : M = M sin x + M cos y


= (14 ft ) sin 72 x + (14 ft ) cos 72 y = (13 ft ) x + ( 4.3 ft ) y

4. Find the components of H : H = H cos x H sin y


= ( 9.0 ft ) cos 36 x ( 9.0 ft ) sin 36 y = ( 7.3 ft ) x + ( 5.3 ft ) y

5. Find the components of r : r = M H = (13 7.3 ft ) x + ( 4.3 ( 5.3) ft ) y


= ( 6 ft ) x + ( 9.6 ft ) y

( 6 ft ) + ( 9.6 ft ) = 11 ft
2 2
6. Find the magnitude of r : r =

Insight: The tip-to-tip distance changes from 5.0 ft (when the hands are aligned) to 23 ft (when the hands are opposite
each other) during the course of a day.

75. Picture the Problem: The velocities of the surfer v ss and the waves v ws
relative to the shore are shown in the diagram at right. shore
Strategy: Set the y component of the surfers velocity equal to the
velocity of the waves, and solve for the angle . Then apply equation 3-8 vss
to find the surfers velocity relative to the wave. v ws
Solution: 1. (a) Set vss sin = vws
y
vss, y = vws :
v 1 1.3 m/s
= sin ws
1
= sin = 10
vss 7.2 m/s x

2. (b) Apply equation 3-8: vss = vsw + v ws vsw = v ss v ws = [ vss cos x + vss sin y ] vws y
3. Since vss sin = vws , the
v sw = vss cos x = ( 7.2 m/s ) cos10 x = ( 7.1 m/s ) x
y components cancel out:
4. (c) If the y component stays the same, but the vector increases in length, the angle it makes with the x-axis must
decrease.
Insight: In this problem we assumed that the water is at rest relative to the shore, so that the surfers speed relative to
the water is the same as the surfers speed relative to the shore.

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3 28
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

76. Picture the Problem: The diagram for Example 3-2 is shown at right. The
width of the river along the x direction is 25.0 m.

Strategy: Let v bw = boats velocity relative to the water, v bg = boats


velocity relative to the ground, and v wg = waters velocity relative to the
ground. Set the y component of v bw equal to the magnitude of v wg so that
they cancel, leaving only an x component of v bg . Then determine the angle
.

Solution: 1. (a) Set vbw, y + vwg, y = 0 and solve for : vbw, y = vbw sin = vwg, y
vwg, y 1 ( 1.4 m/s )
= sin 1 = sin = 13
vbw 6.1 m/s
2. (b) Since the y components cancel, it follows that
vbg = vbw cos = ( 6.1 m/s ) cos13 = 5.9 m/s
the x component of v bw is the same as v bg :
x 25.0 m
3. Now find the time to cross the river: t = = = 4.2 s
vbg 5.9 m/s
4. (c) If the speed of the boat is increased, it should make its heading more downstream in order that its y component
remains 1.4 m/s and that it still lands directly across the river from its starting point.
Insight: Airplanes must also make heading adjustments like the jet skis in order to fly in a certain direction when there
is a steady wind present.

77. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at y
right.
B
Strategy: Because A + B + C = 0, the x and y components of the vectors must
30.0
independently sum to zero. Since A has no y component, we can use the x
O 40.0
known y component of C to find the y component of B . The known angle A
that B makes with the x axis will yield Bx and give us a way to find the length C
of A .
Solution: 1. Set the y components Ay + By + C y = 0 By = C y Ay = ( C sin 40.0 ) 0
equal to zero:
By = (15 m ) sin 40.0 = 9.64 m

2. Determine Bx using the tangent By By 9.64 m


function: tan 30.0 = Bx = = = 16.7 m
Bx tan 30.0 tan 30.0

3. Find Ax and then A : Ax + Bx + Cx = 0 Ax = Bx C x = (16.7 m ) (15 m ) cos 40.0 = 28 m


A = 28 m

(16.7 m ) + ( 9.64 m ) = 19 m
2 2
4. Find the magnitude of B : B = Bx2 + B y2 =

Insight: We kept an extra significant figure when calculating the components of B in order to avoid rounding error.

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3 29
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

78. Picture the Problem: The vectors involved in this problem are depicted at right. y
Strategy: Let v1g = velocity of boat 1 relative to the ground, v 2g = velocity of boat 2
relative to the ground, v12 = velocity of boat 1 relative to boat 2. Let north be along the
positive y-axis, east along the positive x-axis. Use equation 3-8 to find the components v12
of v 2g , and use the components to find its magnitude and direction.
v1g
47.0
Solution: 1. Apply equation v1g = v12 + v 2g v 2g = v1g v12
3-8 to find v 2g :
( 2.15 m/s ) sin 47.0 x
v 2g = ( 0.775 m/s ) y x
+ ( 2.15 m/s ) cos 47.0 y O
v 2g
v 2g = ( 1.57 m/s ) x + ( 0.691 m/s ) y

( 1.57 m/s ) + ( 0.691 m/s ) = 1.72 m/s


2 2
2. Find the magnitude of v 2g : v2g =

0.691 m/s
3. Find the direction of v 2g : = tan 1 = 23.8 south of west
1.57 m/s
Insight: If you pay attention carefully to the subscripts, equation 3-8 can help you solve complex relative motion
problems like this one. It is also helpful to draw a diagram as well. Then you can visually check your answer.

79. Picture the Problem: A dragonfly approaches its prey along a path that
makes it appear motionless to the prey.

Strategy: Use vector components to make the y component of v d exactly


the same as the y component of v p .

Solution: Set vd, y = vp, y vd sin = vp

and solve for vd : vp 0.750 m/s


vd = = = 1.00 m/s
sin sin 48.5

Insight: In the extreme case of = 0 the dragonfly would have to fly infinitely fast in order to match the y component
of the preys velocity. If the maximum speed of the dragonfly were 2.00 m/s, then it must approach the prey at an angle
greater than = sin 1 ( 0.750 m/s 2.00 m/s ) = 22.0.

80. Picture the Problem: A dragonfly approaches its prey along a path that makes it appear motionless to the prey.

Strategy: Consider the effect of the angle on the magnitudes of the components of v d to answer the conceptual
question.
Solution: If the angle were made larger, a larger fraction of the dragonflys velocity would be in the y direction. It
would not need to fly as fast in order to match the y component of the preys velocity. That means its speed would be
less than the 1.00 m/s determined in Problem 79.
Insight: In the extreme case of = 90 the dragonflys speed would only need to match the preys speed of 0.750 m/s.

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3 30
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

81. Picture the Problem: A dragonfly approaches its prey along a path that
makes it appear motionless to the prey.

Strategy: Use vector components to make the y component of v d exactly


the same as the y component of v p .

Solution: Set vd, y = vp, y vd sin = vp

and solve for vd : vp 0.750 m/s


vd = = = 0.806 m/s
sin sin 68.5

Insight: Our answer to Problem 80 is confirmed; the dragonflys speed is less than the 1.00 m/s required in Problem 79.

82. Picture the Problem: A dragonfly approaches its prey along a path that
makes it appear motionless to the prey.

Strategy: Use vector components to make the y component of v d exactly


the same as the y component of v p .

Solution: Set vd, y = vp, y vd sin = vp

and solve for : vp 1 0.750 m/s


= sin 1 = sin = 52.1
vd 0.950 m/s

Insight: The dragonfly must adjust its angle constantly to correct for wind and the possibility that its prey might not
continue flying in a straight line at constant speed.

83. Picture the Problem: The diagram for Example 3-2 is shown at right.

Strategy: Let v bw = boats velocity relative to the water, v bg = boats


velocity relative to the ground, and v wg = waters velocity relative to the
ground. Set the y component of v bw equal to the magnitude of v wg so that
they cancel, leaving only an x component of v bg . Then determine the angle
.

Solution: 1. (a) Set vbw, y + vwg, y = 0 vbw, y = vbw sin = vwg, y

1 ( 1.4 m/s )
and solve for : vwg, y
= sin 1 = sin = 12 upstream
v
bw 7.0 m/s
2. (b) If the speed of the boat is increased, it should make its heading more downstream in order that its y component
remains 1.4 m/s and that it still lands directly across the river from its starting point. Therefore the angle needed to go
directly across the river will decrease.
Insight: Airplanes must also make heading adjustments like the jet skis in order to fly in a certain direction when there
is a steady wind present.

Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they currently exist. No
portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
3 31
Chapter 3: Vectors in Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

84. Picture the Problem: The diagram for Example 3-2 is shown at right.
Strategy: Find the angle that v bg makes with the positive x axis by using
the coordinates of the dock (the displacement and velocity vectors are
parallel for uniform motion). Apply equation 3-8 to determine the
relationship between v bg and v bw . Solve the two equations with two
unknowns to find the angle . Then the magnitude of v bg can be found
from its known components.
Solution: 1. (a) Because the displace vbg, y ry 28 m
ment and velocity vectors are parallel, = =
vbg, x rx 55 m
the ratios of their components are equal:
2. Write equation 3-8 in component form: v bg = v bw + v wg
vbg, x x + vbg, y y = [ vbw cos x + vbw sin y ] vwg y

3. Independently equate the x and y components: vbg, x = vbw cos


vbg, y = vbw sin vwg

vbg, y vbw sin vwg


4. Divide the y equation by the x equation: =
vbg, x vbw cos
2
5. Square both sides to get everything vbg, y 2
vbw sin 2 2vwg vbw sin + vwg
2

in terms of sin . The units of m/s =


vbg, x
2
vbw cos 2
apply to each of the velocities, but are
omitted at right in order to save space:
2
vbw sin 2 2vwg vbw sin + vwg
2

= 2
vbw (1 sin 2 )
28
2
( 6.7 2 ) sin 2 2 (1.4 )( 6.7 ) sin + (1.4 )
2

=
55 ( 6.72 ) ( 6.72 ) sin 2
6. Rearrange the equation into 11.6 11.6sin 2 = 44.9sin 2 18.8sin + 1.96
one that is quadratic in sin :
0 = 56.5sin 2 18.8sin 9.64

( 18.8) 4 ( 56.5)( 9.64 )


2
18.8
7. Apply the quadratic formula. sin = = 0.279, 0.612
2 ( 56.5 )
= sin 1 ( 0.612 ) = 38 upstream

8. (b) Now find the components of v bg : vbg, x = vbw cos = ( 6.7 m/s ) cos 38 = 5.3 m/s
vbg, y = vbw sin vwg = ( 6.7 m/s ) sin 38 1.4 m/s = 2.7 m/s

( 5.3 m/s ) + ( 2.7 m/s ) = 5.9 m/s


2 2
9. Use the components to find vbg : vbg = vbg,
2
x + vbg, y =
2

Insight: While the boat is pointed 38 upstream, it is actually traveling tan 1 ( 2.7 5.3) = 27 upstream of the positive x
axis due to the water flow. Notice that we get the same angle for the displacement vector tan 1 ( 28 m 55 m ) = 27 .

Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they currently exist. No
portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
3 32

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