Final answer:
The question is about finding the x and y components of a displacement vector, which is done by using trigonometry with the magnitude of the vector and the angle given from the positive y-axis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question revolves around a displacement vector in two dimensions, characterized by both a magnitude and direction. To find the x and y components of this vector, we utilize trigonometric functions based on the given angle and magnitude. Since the vector makes an angle of 21.1 degrees counterclockwise from the positive y-axis, we can calculate the x-component (Dx) using the sine function and the y-component (Dy) using the cosine function.
- To find Dx, we compute Dx = d * sin(θ) = 187m * sin(21.1°).
- To find Dy, we compute Dy = d * cos(θ) = 187m * cos(21.1°).
So, the displacement vector in component form is given by Ď = Dxî + Dyĵ. It is crucial to understand that θ is measured counterclockwise from the positive y-axis, which may require a quadrant consideration if vector addition or subtraction is performed with other vectors in different orientations.