Final answer:
To determine the size, shape, and direction of panels, use appropriate units of measurement like inches or centimeters, and for solar panels, take into account latitude for tilting direction. Verifying vector quantities involves calculating the sum and difference of vectors and comparing them to a resultant.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the size, shape, and direction of panels, several steps are involved which encompass both conceptual understanding and practical measurement tactics. In the realm of physics, particularly when studying forces and vectors, you may encounter situations like the one described in the question, where you need to verify the vector quantities depicted in a diagram such as Figure 9.15.
Measuring the size and shape of an object or panel begins by picturing the object or physically measuring if possible. You would select an appropriate unit of measurement, such as inches, feet, or centimeters, depending on the sizes involved. A tape measure or ruler would typically be used for such measurements. For instance, if determining the area required for solar panels, as indicated by the mention of '18% panels' needing 35 m², you would calculate the square or rectangular dimensions that provide the equivalent area.
To ascertain the direction of panels, particularly solar panels, it is recommended to tilt panels toward the equator at an angle equal to the site latitude to optimize annual yield. This takes into consideration the position of the sun in the sky, which varies depending on your latitude. High northern latitudes would require a different panel tilt compared to areas near the equator.
For verifying the vector quantities, as in Figure 9.15, you would first identify the vectors involved, then mathematically add or subtract them as indicated, comparing their resultant to an effective dashed arrow to the right side of the figure. Specifically, you would add the magnitudes of the upper arrows and subtract the magnitudes of the lower arrows, checking to see if these operations yield the same resultant as shown by the dashed arrow. In doing so, confirming that the calculated direction also matches the indicated direction of the dashed arrow is crucial, which involves understanding the vector components and their directions.