Vector Components HW: Find Distance/Dir from Lake B to Base Camp

In summary, a plane flies from base camp to lake A, a distance of 280km at a direction of 20 degrees north of east. It then flies to lake B, located 190km and 30 degrees west of north from lake A. To determine the distance and direction from lake B to the base camp, the equations Axcos theta, Bysin theta, r= Sq rt (X^2 + y^2), and tan - theta = y/x can be used. However, the attempt at a solution provided does not match the correct answer from the book. It is recommended to recalculate the numbers and possibly draw a diagram to accurately determine the x and y components of the final vector.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A plane flies from base camp to lake A, a distance of 280km, at a direction of 20 degrees north of east. After dropping thr supplies, it flies to lake B which is 190km and 30 degrees west of north from lake A. Determine the distance and direction gtom lake B to the base camp

Homework Equations


Axcos theta
Bysin theta

r= Sq rt (X^2 + y^2)

tan - theta = y/x


The Attempt at a Solution



280 cos 20 = 263
280 sin 20 = 95.8

190cos -30 = 184.5
190sin -30 = -95

I tried to add up the components but it doesn't end up being the rigth answer from the book.
 
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  • #2
Perhaps recalculate those numbers. In particular what is 190*cos(-30)?
 
  • #3
Did you draw a diagram? What did you get for the x and y components of the final vector?
 

Related to Vector Components HW: Find Distance/Dir from Lake B to Base Camp

1. What are vector components?

Vector components are the individual parts of a vector that represent its magnitude and direction. They can be broken down into horizontal and vertical components, which are often represented by x and y respectively.

2. How do I find the distance from Lake B to Base Camp using vector components?

To find the distance, you will first need to find the horizontal and vertical components of the vector. Then, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the magnitude of the vector, which will give you the distance between the two points.

3. What is the process for finding the direction from Lake B to Base Camp using vector components?

The direction can be found by using trigonometric functions such as tangent or inverse tangent to calculate the angle of the vector. This angle will give you the direction from Lake B to Base Camp.

4. Can vector components be used to find the shortest distance between two points?

Yes, vector components can be used to find the shortest distance between two points. By finding the magnitude of the vector, you can determine the shortest distance between the two points in a straight line.

5. Is there a specific formula for calculating vector components?

Yes, the formula for finding the horizontal and vertical components of a vector is as follows:
Horizontal component (x) = magnitude * cosine (angle)
Vertical component (y) = magnitude * sine (angle)
The magnitude and angle can be determined using the given coordinates of the two points (Lake B and Base Camp) in the vector equation.

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