Question

If vector has components ax = -3.0 lb and ay = -4.0 lb, and vector has components bx = 3.0 lb and by = -8.0 lb, what is the magnitude of the net vector ?

Answer 1

To find the magnitude of the net vector, we can use the Pythagorean theorem.

Given the components of vector A as ax = -3.0 lb and ay = -4.0 lb, and the components of vector B as bx = 3.0 lb and by = -8.0 lb, we can calculate the components of the net vector (C) as follows:

Cx = ax + bx = -3.0 lb + 3.0 lb = 0 lb
Cy = ay + by = -4.0 lb + (-8.0 lb) = -12.0 lb

The components of the net vector (C) are Cx = 0 lb and Cy = -12.0 lb.

To find the magnitude (C) of the net vector, we use the Pythagorean theorem:

C = √(Cx^2 + Cy^2)

C = √((0 lb)^2 + (-12.0 lb)^2)

C = √(0 + 144 lb^2)

C = √144 lb^2

C = 12.0 lb

Therefore, the magnitude of the net vector is 12.0 lb.