Final answer:
The value of sec(angle b) is the reciprocal of cos(angle b). The provided example shows computing the cosine of an angle related to a magnetic field vector, and sec(b) would be calculated as 1 divided by this cosine value.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the value of sec(angle b), which is a trigonometric function related to an angle in a right triangle or in a unit circle. The secant function, denoted as sec, is the reciprocal of the cosine function.
Thus, to find the value of the secant of angle b, or sec(b), we need the value of the cosine of angle b, or cos(b).
Provided in the question is information that enables us to calculate cos(b): (Bx = B cos ß = (7.0 cm) cos (-110°) = -2.39 cm). Since sec(b) = 1/cos(b), we would take the inverse of the computed cosine value to get the secant value.
Note that in physics, particularly in problems relating to magnetic fields and forces, trigonometric functions like sine and cosine are often used to resolve vector components. This cross-disciplinary application is evident where trigonometry interfaces with kinematic expressions and magnetic field calculations.