Final answer:
The y-component of a vector with a magnitude of 101 m and an angle of 42.2° from the positive x-axis is found using Vy = V · sin(θ). The approximate y-component is 67.56 m.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the y-component of a vector given its magnitude and angle of direction, you use the sine function because angles in vector math are measured from the positive x-axis. In this question, we know the vector's magnitude is 101 m and it makes an angle of 42.2° with the positive x-axis. To calculate the y-component (Vy), we will use the following formula:
Vy = V · sin(θ)
Where V is the magnitude of the vector and θ is the angle made by the vector with the positive x-axis. Plugging in our values we get:
Vy = 101 m · sin(42.2°)
Using a calculator, find the sine of 42.2°:
sin(42.2°) ≈ 0.6691
Now multiply the magnitude of the vector by this sine value:
Vy = 101 m · 0.6691 ≈ 67.56 m
Therefore, the y-component of the vector is approximately 67.56 m.