Question

if v=5.00 meters/second and makes an angle of 60 degrees with the negative direction of the y-axis, calculate the possible values of Vx.

Answer 1

The answer is both 5sin(60)=4.33 and -5sin(60)=-4.33

Answer 2

+2.5 m/s and -2.5 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two possibilities:

1) The velocity lies in the IV quadrant, with y being negative and x being positive. In this case, the magnitude of the horizontal component is

`v_x = v cos 60^(\circ) = (5.0 m/s) cos 60^(\circ) =2.5 m/s`

2) The velocity lies in the III quadrant, with y being negative and x being negative as well. In this case, the magnitude of the horizontal component is

`v_x = -v cos 60^(\circ) = -(5.0 m/s) cos 60^(\circ) =-2.5 m/s`