VECTORS AND COORDINATE SYSTEMS

Conceptual Questions
3.1. The magnitude of the displacement vector is the minimum distance traveled since the displacement is the vector
sum of a number of individual movements. Thus, it is not possible for the magnitude of the displacement vector to be
more than the distance traveled. If the individual movements are all in the same direction, the total displacement and
the distance traveled are equal. However, it is possible that the total displacement is less than the distance traveled, if
the individual movements are not in the same direction.
G
G
G
G
possible that C > A + B because, if A and B point in different directions, putting them tip to tail gives a resultant
with a shorter length (see figure below).

3.2. It is possible that C = A + B only if A and B both point in the same direction as in the figure below. It is not

G
G
G
G
G
A and B are parallel but in opposite directions, C will still have a length greater than or equal to zero.

3.3. It is possible that C = 0 if A = B. It is not possible for the length of a vector to be negative, so C 0. Even if

3.4. No, it is not possible to add a scalar to a vector, since the scalar has no direction.
G

3.5. The zero vector 0 has zero length. It does not point in any direction.
3.6. A vector can have a component that is zero and still have nonzero length only if another component is nonzero.
For example, consider the vector i = (1, 0), which points along the x-axis.

3.7. If one component of a vector is nonzero then it is not possible for the vector to have zero magnitude. The
magnitude of the vector depends on the sum of the squares of the components, so any component signs do not matter.
3.8. No, it is not possible for two vectors with unequal magnitudes to add to zero. To add to zero, two vectors must
be antiparallel and of the same length (magnitude).

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3-1

3-2

Chapter 3

3.9. (a) False, because the size of a vector is fixed.

(b) False, because the direction of a vector in space is independent of any coordinate system.
(c) True, because the orientation of the vector relative to the axes can be different.

Exercises and Problems

Section 3.1 Vectors
Section 3.2 Properties of Vectors
3.1. Visualize:

G G
G
G
Solve: (a) To find A + B, we place the tail of vector B on the tip of vector A and draw an arrow from the tail of
G
G
vector A to the tip of vector B.
G G G
G
G
G
(b) Since A B = A + ( B) , we place the tail of the vector B on the tip of vector A and then draw an arrow from
G
G
the tail of vector A to the tip of vector B .

3.2. Visualize:

G G
G
G
Solve: (a) To find A + B, we place the tail of vector B on the tip of vector A and then draw an arrow from vector
G,
G,
A s tail to vector B s tip.
G G G
G
G G
G
G
(b) To find A B , we note that A B = A + ( B ). We place the tail of vector B on the tip of vector A and then
G,
G
draw an arrow from vector A s tail to the tip of vector B.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-3

Section 3.3 Coordinate Systems and Vector Components

3.3. Visualize:

G
Solve: Vector E points to the left and up, so the components E x and E y are negative and positive, respectively,
according to the Tactics Box 3.1.
(a) E x = E cos and E y = E sin .
(b) E x = E sin and E y = E cos .
Assess: Note that the role of sine and cosine are reversed because we are using a different angle. and are
complementary angles.

3.4. Visualize: The figure shows the components vx and v y , and the angle .

G
Solve: We have, v y = v sin where we have manually inserted the minus sign because v y points in the negative-y
direction. The x-component is vx = v cos . Taking the ratio vx /v y and solving for vx gives vx = v y (tan ) 1 =
(10 m/s)(tan 40) 1 = 12 m/s.

Assess: The x-component is positive since the position vector is in the fourth quadrant.

3.5. Visualize: The position vector r whose magnitude r is 10 m has an x-component of 8 m. It makes an angle

with the + x-axis in the first quadrant.

Solve: Using trigonometry, rx = r cos , or 8 m = (10 m)cos . This gives = 36.9. Thus the y-component of the
G
position vector r is ry = r sin = (10 m)sin (36.9) = 6 m.
Assess: The y-component is positive since the position vector is in the first quadrant.

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3-4

Chapter 3

3.6. Visualize:

We will follow rules in Tactics Box 3.1.

G
Solve: (a) Vector r points to the right and down, so the components rx and ry are positive and negative,
respectively:

rx = r cos = (100 m)cos 45 = 71 m, ry = r sin = (100 m)sin 45 = 71 m

G
(b) Vector v points to the right and up, so the components vx and v y are both positive:
vx = v cos = (300 m/s)cos(20) = 280 m/s, v y = v sin = (300 m/s)sin(20) = 100 m/s
G
(c) Vector a has the following components:

a x = a cos = (5.0 m/s 2 )cos90 = 0 m/s 2 , a y = a sin = (5.0 m/s 2 )sin 90 = 5.0 m/s 2
Assess: The components have same units as the vectors. Note the minus signs we have manually inserted according
to Tactics Box 3.1.

3.7. Visualize:

We will follow the rules given in Tactics Box 3.1.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

Solve:
(a) vx = (10 m/s)cos(90.0) = 0 m/s
2

(b) a x = (20 m/s )cos30 = 17 m/s

(c) Fx = (100 N)sin(36.9) = 60 N

3-5

v y = (10 cm/s)sin(90.0) = 10 m/s

a y = (20 m/s 2 )sin 30 = 10 m/s 2
Fy = (100 N)cos(36.9) = 80 N

Assess: The components have the same units as the vectors. Note the minus signs we have manually inserted
according to Tactics Box 3.1.

3.8. Visualize:

G
G
The components of the vector C and D, and the angles are shown.
K
K
Solve: For C we have C x = (3.15 m)cos(15) = 3.04 m and C y = (3.15 m)sin (15) = 0.815 m. For D we have

Dx = (25.6 m)sin (30) = 12.8 m and Dy = (25.67 m)cos(30) = 22.2 m.

G
G
Assess: The components of the vectors C and D have the same units as the vectors themselves. Note the minus
signs we have manually inserted, as per the rules of Tactics Box 3.1.

3.9. Visualize:

Solve: The magnitude of the vector is B = Bx2 + By2 = (2.0 T) 2 + ( 1.0 T) 2 = 5.0 T = 2.2 T. The angle is

= tan 1

By
Bx

1.0 T
= tan 1
= 27
2.0 T

Assess: Since By < Bx , the angle made with the +x-axis is less than 45. = 45 for B y = Bx .

Section 3.4 Vector Algebra

3.10. Visualize:

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3-6

Chapter 3

Solve: (a) Using the formulas for the magnitude and direction of a vector, we have:
4
B = ( 4) 2 + (4) 2 = 5.7, = tan 1 = 45
4
1.0
(b) r = ( 2.0 cm)2 + ( 1.0 cm)2 = 2.2 cm, = tan 1
= 27
2.0

100
(c) v = (10 m/s)2 + (100 m/s)2 = 100 m/s, = tan 1
= 84
10
10
(d) a = (10 m/s 2 ) 2 + (20 m/s 2 ) 2 = 22 m/s 2 , = tan 1 = 27
20

3.11. Visualize:

Solve: (a) Using the formulas for the magnitude and direction of a vector, we have:
ry
6
A = (4) 2 + ( 6) 2 = 7.2, = tan 1 = tan 1 = 56 below the +x-axis
r
4
x
(b) r = (50 m)2 + (80 m) 2 = 94 m

80 m
= 58 above the +x-axis
50 m

= tan 1

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-7

40
= 63 above the x-axis
20

= tan 1

(c) v = (20 m/s) 2 + (40 m/s) 2 = 45 m/s

(d) a = (2.0 m/s 2 ) 2 + (6.0 m/s 2 ) 2 = 6.3 m/s 2

2.0
= 18 to the right of the y -axis
6.0

= tan 1

3.12. Visualize:

G G
G G G
G
G
K
We have C = A B or C = A + ( B ), where B is the same as B, but in the opposite direction. Look back at

Tactics Box 1.2, which shows how to perform vector subtraction graphically.
G
G
G
G
G
Solve: To obtain vector C from A and B, we place the tail of B on the tip of A, and then draw a vector arrow
G
G
G
from the tail of A to the tip of B. Reading the coordonates off the graph, we find that C = 22i + 5 j

G G

3.13. Visualize: The vectors A, B, and C = A + B are shown.

G
G G G
G
Solve: (a) We have A = 4i 2 j and B = 3i + 5 j. Thus, C = A + B = (4i 2 j ) + (3i + 5 j ) = 1i + 3 j.
G G
G
(b) Vectors A, B, and C are shown in the figure above.
G
K
(c) Since C = 1i + 3 j = C xi + C y j , C x = 1, and C y = 3. Therefore, the magnitude and direction of C are
C = (1) 2 + (3)2 = 10 = 3.2 and = tan 1 (C y /C x ) = tan 1(3/1) = 72, respectively.
G
Assess: The vector C is to the right and up, thus implying that both the x and y components are positive. Also

> 45 since C y > C x .

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3-8

Chapter 3

3.14. Visualize:

G
G
G G
G
K
Solve: (a) We have A = 4i 2 j , B = 3i + 5 j , and B = 3i 5 j. Thus, D = A + ( B ) = (4 + 3)i + (2 5) j = 7i 7 j.
G G
G
(b) Vectors A, B, and D are shown in the figure above.
G
G
(c) Since D = 7i 7 j = Dxi + Dy j , Dx = 7 and D y = 7. Therefore, the magnitude and direction of D are

D = (7) 2 + ( 7) 2 = 7 2 = 9.9

= tan 1 Dy /Dx = tan 1(7/7) = 45

Assess: Since Dy = Dx , the angle = 45, as expected.

3.15. Visualize:

G
G
G
G
Solve: (a) We have A = 4i 2 j and B = 3i + 5 j. This means 4 A = 16i 8 j and 2 B = 26i + 10 j. Thus,
G
G
G
E = 4 A + 2 B = [16 + (6)]i + [( 8) + 10] j = 10i + 2 j.
G G
G
(b) Vectors A , B, and E are shown in the figure above.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-9

G
G
(c) From the E vector, E x = 10 and E y = 2. Therefore, the magnitude and direction of E are
E = (10) 2 + (2) 2 = 104 = 10, = tan 1 ( E y /E x ) = tan 1 (2/10) = 11
G
So E is 10, 11 above the +x-axis.

3.16. Visualize:

G
G
G
G G
G
Solve: (a) We have A = 4i 2 j and B = 3i + 5 j. This means 4 B = 12i + 20 j. Hence, F = A 4 B = [4 (12)]i +
[2 20] j = 16i 22 j = Fxi + Fy j , so Fx = 16 and Fy = 222.
G G
G
(b) The vectors A, B, and F are shown in the above figure.
G
(c) The magnitude and direction of F are
F = Fx2 + Fy2 = (16) 2 + (22) 2 = 27

= tan 1 Fy /Fx = tan 1 (22/16) = 54

Assess: Fy > Fx implies > 45, which is consistent with the figure.

3.17. Visualize:

G
Solve: In coordinate system I, the vector B makes an angle of 60 counterclockwise from vertical, so it has an angle
G
of = 30 with the negative x-axis. Since B points to the left and up, it has a negative x-component and a positive
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3-10

Chapter 3

y-component. Thus, Bx = (5.0 m)cos(30) = 4.3 m and B y = + (5.0 m)sin (30) = 2.5 m. Thus,
G
B = (4.3 m)i + (2.5 m) j.
G
In coordinate system II, the vector B makes an angle of 30 with the +y-axis and is to the left and up. This means
we have to manually insert a minus sign for the x-component. Thus, Bx = B sin (30) = (5.0 m)sin (30) = 2.5 m,
G
and B y = + B cos(30) = (5.0 m)cos (30) = 4.3 m. Thus B = (2.5 m)i + (4.3 m) j.
G

3.18. Visualize: Refer to Figure EX3.18. The velocity vector v points south and makes an angle of 30 with the
G
y-axis. The vector v points to the left and down, implying that both vx and v y are negative.
Solve: We have vx = v sin (30) = (100 m/s)sin (30) = 50 m/s and

v y = v cos(30) = (100 m/s)cos(30) = 87 m/s.

G
Assess: Notice that vx and v y have the same units as v .

3.19. Visualize: (a)

G G
G
Solve: (b) The components of the vectors A, B, and C are
Ax = (3.0 m)cos(20) = 2.8 m and Ay = (3.0 m)sin (20) = 1.0 m; Bx = 0 m and B y = 2.0 m;

C x = (5.0 m)cos(70) = 1.7 m and C y = (5.0 m)sin (70) = 4.7 m. This means the vectors can be written as
G
G
G
A = (2.8i + 1.0 j ) m, B = (2.0 j ) m, C = ( 1.7i 4.7 j ) m
G G G G
(c) We have D = A + B + C = (1.1 m)i (3.7 m) j. This means
D = (1.1 m)2 + (3.7 m)2 = 3.9 m
G
The direction of D is south of east, 74 below the +x-axis.

= tan 1(3.9/1.09) = 74

3.20. Solve: We have E = Exi + E y j = 2i + 3 j, which means Ex = 2 and E y = 3. Also, F = Fxi + Fy j = 2i 2 j ,

which means Fx = 2 and Fy = 22.
G
G
(a) The magnitude of E is given by E = Ex2 + E y2 = (2) 2 + (3) 2 = 3.6 and the magnitude of F is given by
F = Fx2 + Fy2 = (2) 2 + (2) 2 = 2.8.
G G
G G
(b) Since E + F = 4i + 1 j, the magnitude of E + F is (4) 2 + (1) 2 = 4.1.
G
G
G
G
(c) Since E 2 F = (2i + 3 j ) 2(2i 2 j ) = 6i + 1 j , the magnitude of E 2 F is

(6) 2 + (1) 2 = 6.1.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-11

3.21. Solve: We have r = (5.0i + 4.0 j )t 2 m. This means that r does not change the ratio of its components as
G
G
t increases; that is, the direction of r is constant. The magnitude of r is given by

r = (5.0t 2 )2 + (4.0t 2 ) 2 m = 6.40t 2 m.

(a) The particles distance from the origin at t = 0 s, t = 2 s, and t = 5 s is 0 m, 26 m, and 160 m.
G
dr
dt 2
G
= (5.0i + 4.0 j )
m/s = (5.0i + 4.0 j )2t m/s = (10i + 8.0 j )t m/s.
(b) The particles velocity is v (t ) =
dt
dt
(c) The magnitude of the particles velocity is given by v = (10t )2 + (8.0t ) 2 = 13t m/s. The particles speed at t = 0 s,

t = 2 s, and t = 5 s is 0 m/s, 26 m/s, and 64 m/s.

3.22. Visualize:

G
G
G
Solve: (a) Vector C is the sum of vectors A and B, which is obtained using the tip-to-tip rule of graphical
addition. Its magnitude is measured to be 4.7 and its angle made with the +x-axis is measured to be 33.
(b) The geometry of parallelograms shows that = 180 ( B A ) = 180 (60 20) = 140. Combining this with

the law of cosines, C 2 = A2 + B 2 2 AB cos , gives

C = (3)2 + (2) 2 2(3)(2)cos(140) = 4.7
Using the law of sines:

Thus, C = + 20 = 36.
(c) We have:

sin sin140
=
= 16
2
4.71

Ax = A cos A = 3cos 20 = 2.82

Ay = A sin A = 3sin 20 = 1.03

Bx = B cos B = 2cos60 = 1.00

By = B sin B = 2sin 60 = 1.73

This means: C x = Ax + Bx = 3.82 and C y = Ay + B y = 2.76. The magnitude and direction of C are given by
Cy
1 2.76
C = C x2 + C y2 = (3.82)2 + (2.76) 2 = 4.7 C = tan 1
= tan
= 36
3.82
Cx
Assess: Using the method of vector components and their algebraic addition to find the resultant vector yields the
same results as using the graphical addition of vectors.

3.23. Visualize: Refer to Figure P3.23 in your textbook.

G
G G G
G
G G
Solve: (a) We are given that A + B + C = 1 j with A = 4i, and C = 2 j. This means A + C = 4i 2 j. Thus,
G G G
G G
G
B = ( A + B + C ) ( A + C ) = (1 j ) (4i 2 j ) = 4i + 3 j.
G
(b) We have B = Bxi + By j with Bx = 4 and B y = 3. Hence, B = ( 4) 2 + (3) 2 = 5.0

= tan 1

By
Bx

3
= tan 1 = 37
4

G
G
Since B has a negative x-component and a positive y-component, the vector B is in the second quadrant and the
G
angle made by B is measured above the x-axis.
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3-12

Chapter 3

Assess: Since By < Bx , < 45 as obtained above.

3.24. Visualize:

1
2
Solve: (a) E = tan 1 = 45, F = tan 1 = 63. Thus = 180 E F = 72
1

1

(b) From the figure, E = 2 and F = 5 . Using

G 2 = E 2 + F 2 2 EF cos = ( 2) 2 + ( 5)2 2( 2)( 5)cos(180 72)

G=3
sin sin (180 72)
Furthermore, using
=
= 45
2.975
5
G
Since E = 45, the angle made by the vector G with the +x-axis is G = ( + E ) = 45 + 45 = 90.
(c) We have
E x = +1.0, and E y = +1.0
Fx = 1.0, and Fy = +2.0
Gx = 0.0,

and G y = 3.0

G = (0.0) 2 + (3.0) 2 = 3.0, and

= tan 1

Gy
Gx

3.0
= tan 1
= 90
0.0

G
That is, the vector G makes an angle of 90 with the x-axis.
Assess: The graphical solution and the vector solution give the same answer within the given significance of figures.

3.25. Visualize: Refer to Figure P3.25.

Solve: From the rules of trigonometry, we have Ax = 4cos(40) = 3.06 and Ay = 4sin (40) = 2.57. Also,
G G G G
Bx = 2cos(10) = 1.97 and B y = +2sin (10) = 0.35. Since A + B + C = 0,
G
G G
G
G
C = A B = ( A) + ( B) = ( 3.06i 2.57 j ) + ( +1.97i 0.35 j ) = 1i 3 j.

3.26. Visualize:

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-13

G
G
Solve: In the tilted coordinate system, the vectors A and B are expressed as:
G
G
A = [2sin (15) m]i + [2cos(15) m] j and B = [4cos(15) m]i [4sin (15) m] j.
G G
G
Therefore, D = 2 A + B = (4 m)[sin (15) + cos(15)]i + (4 m)[cos(15) sin (15)] j = (4.9 m) i + (2.9 m) j.
Assess: The magnitude of this vector is D = (4.9 m) 2 + (2.9 m) 2 = 5.7 m, and it makes an angle of

= tan 1 (2.9 m/4.9 m) = 31 with the +x-axis. The resultant vector can be obtained graphically by using the rule of
tail-to-tip addition.

3.27. Visualize:

G
The magnitude of the unknown vector is 1 and its direction is along i + j . Let A = i + j as shown in the diagram.
G
G
That is, A = 1i + 1 j and the x- and y-components of A are both unity. Since = tan 1 ( Ay /Ax ) = 45, the unknown
vector must make an angle of 45 with the +x-axis and have unit magnitude.
G
Solve: Let the unknown vector be B = Bxi + By j where
Bx = B cos(45) =

G
We want the magnitude of B to be 1, so we have

1
B
2

and B y = B sin (45) =

1
B
2

1 1
B = Bx2 + By2 = 1
B +
B = 1 B2 = 1 B = 1
2 2
Thus,
Bx = B y =
Finally,

1
2

G
1 1
B = Bxi + By j =
i+
j
2
2

3.28. Model: Carlos will be represented as a particle and the particle model will be used for motion under constant
acceleration kinetic equations.
Visualize:

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3-14

Chapter 3

Solve: Carlos runs at constant speed without changing direction. The total distance he travels is found from
kinematics:
r1 = r0 + v0t = 0.0 m + (5.0 m/s)(600 s) = 3000 m
G
This displacement is north of east, or = 25 from the +x-axis. Thus the position r1 becomes
G
r1 = (3000 m)[cos(25)i + sin (25) j ] = 2.7 km i + 1.3 km j

That is, Carlos ends up 1.3 km north of his starting position.

Assess: The choice of our coordinate system is such that the x-component of the displacement is along the east and
the y-component is along the north. The displacement of 3.0 km is reasonable for Carlos to run in 10 minutes if he is
an athlete.

3.29. Visualize: The coordinate

system (x, y, z) is shown here; +x denotes east, +y denotes north, and +z denotes
G
G
G
G

upward vertical. The vectors S morning (shortened to S m ), Safternoon (shortened to Sa ), and the total displacement
G
G
G
vector S total = Sa + S m are also shown.

G
G
Solve: S m = (2000i + 3000 j + 200k) m, and Sa = ( 1500i + 2000 j 300k) m. The total displacement is the sum of
the individual displacements.
(a) The sum of the z-components of the afternoon and morning displacements is Saz + S mz = 300 m + 200 m =

100 m; that is, 100 m lower.

G
G
G

(b) S total = Sa + S m = (500i + 5000 j 100k) m; that is, (500 m east) + (5000 m north) (100 m vertical). The

magnitude of your total displacement is

S total = (500) 2 + (5000)2 + (100) 2 m = 5.0 km

3.30. Visualize:

Only the minute hand is shown in the figure.

G
G
Solve: (a) We have S8:00 = (2.0 cm) j and S8:20 = (2.0 cm)cos(30)i (2.0 cm)sin(30) j. The displacement vector is

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-15

G
G G
r = S8:20 S8:00
= (2.0 cm)[cos30i (sin 30 + 1) j ]
= (2.0 cm)(0.87i 1.50 j )
= (1.7 cm)i (3.0 cm) j
G
G
G
G G
(b) We have S8:00 = (2.0 cm) j and S9:00 = (2.0 cm) j. The displacement vector is r = S9:00 S8:00 = 0.0 cm.
Assess: The displacement vector in part (a) has a positive x-component and a negative y-component. The vector thus
is to the right and points down, in quadrant IV. This is where the vector drawn from the tip of the 8:00 a.m. arm to
the tip of the 8:20 a.m. arm will point.

3.31. Visualize: (a)

Note that +x is along the east and +y is along the north.

G
Solve: (b) We are given A = (200 m) j , and can use trigonometry to obtain
G
B = (400 m)cos(45) (400 m)sin (45) = (283 m)i (283 m) j and
G
G G G G
C = (200 m)sin (30) + (200 m)cos(30) = (100 m)i + (173 m) j. We want A + B + C + D = 0 , so
G G G
G
D = A B C
= (200 m) j [ (283 m)i (283 m) j ] [(100 m)i + (173 m) j ] = (183 m) i + (310 m) j
K
The magnitude and direction of D are
Dy
1 310 m
D = (183 m) 2 + (310 m) 2 = 360 m and = tan 1
= tan
= 59
D
183 m
x
G
This means D = (360 m 59 north of east).
G
(c) The measured length of the vector D on the graph (with a ruler) is approximately 1.75 times the measured length
G
of vector A . Since A = 200 m, this gives D = 1.75 200 m = 350 m. Similarly, the angle measured with the
protractor is close to 60. These answers are in close agreement to part (b).

3.32. Visualize: (a) The figure shows Sparkys individual displacements and his net displacement.

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3-16

Chapter 3

G
G
G
G
Solve: (b) Dnet = D1 + D2 + D3 , where individual displacements are
G
D1 = (50 m)cos(45)i + (50 m)sin (45) j = (35.4 m)i + (35.4 m) j
G
D2 = (70 m)i
G
D3 = (20 m) j
G
Thus, to two significant figures, Sparkys displacement is Dnet = (35 m)i + (15 m) j.
(c) As a magnitude and angle,
Dnet, y
Dnet = ( Dnet, x ) 2 + ( Dnet, y ) 2 = (35 m) 2 + (15 m) 2 = 38 m, net = tan 1
= 24
| Dnet, x |

Sparkys net displacement is 38 m in a direction 24 north of west.

3.33. Visualize:

G
G
G
Solve: We are given A = (5.0 m) i and C = ( 1.0 m)k Using trigonometry, B = (3.0 m)cos(45) i (3.0 m)sin(45 ) j
G G G G
G
The total displacement is r = A + B + C = (7.12 m)i (2.12 m) j (1.0 m) k. The magnitude of r is
r = (7.12 m)2 + (2.12 m) 2 + (1.0 m) 2 = 7.5 m.
Assess: A displacement of 7.5 m is a reasonable displacement.

3.34. Visualize:

G
Solve: We have v = vxi + v y j = v|| i + v j = v cos i + v sin j. Thus, v|| = v cos = (100 m/s)cos(30) = 87 m/s.

Assess: For the angle of 30, 87 m/s for the horizontal component seems reasonable.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-17

3.35. Visualize:

2.5 m/s
Solve: (a) Since vx = v cos , we have 2.5 m/s = (3.0 m/s)cos = cos 1
= 34.
3.0 m/s
(b) The vertical component is v y = v sin = (3.0 m/s)sin(34) = 1.7 m/s.

3.36. Visualize:

The coordinate system used here is tilted so that the x-axis is along the slope.
Solve: The component of the velocity parallel to the x-axis is v|| = v cos(70) = v sin (20) = (10 m/s)(0.34) =
3.4 m/s. This is the speed down the slope. The component of the velocity perpendicular to the slope is
v = v sin (70) = v cos(20) = (10 m/s)(0.94) = 9.4 m/s. This is the speed toward the ground.
Assess: A final speed of approximately 10 m/s implies a fall time of approximately 1 second under free fall. Note
that g = 9.8 m/s 2 . This time is reasonable for a drop of approximately 5 m, or 16 feet.

3.37. Visualize:
(a)

(b)

Solve: (a) The river is 100 m wide. If Mary rows due north at a constant speed of vrow = 2.0 m/s, it will take her

(100 m)/(2.0 m/s) = 50 s to row across. But while shes doing so, the current sweeps her boat sideways at a speed
vcurrent = 1.0 m/s. In the 50 s it takes her to cross the river, the current sweeps here a distance

d || = (vcurrent 50 s) = 1.0 m/s 50 s = 50 m, so she lands 50 m east of the point that was directly across the river
from her when she started.
G
G
G
(b) Marys net displacement Dnet , her displacement Dcurrent due to the rivers current, and her displacemnt Drow
due to her rowing are shown in the figure.

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3-18

Chapter 3

3.38. Visualize: Establish a coordinate system with origin at theG tree Gand with the x-axis pointing east. Let A be a
displacement vector directly from the tree to the treasure. Vector A is A = (100i + 500 j ) paces.

This describes the displacement you would undergo by walking north 500 paces, then east 100 paces. Instead, you
follow the road for 300 paces and undergo displacement
G
B = [300sin (60)i + 300cos(60) j ] paces = (260i + 150 j ) paces

G
G G G
Solve: Now let C be the displacement vector from your position to the treasure. From the figure A = B + C .
G G G
So the displacement you need to reach the treasure is C = A B = (160i + 350 j ) paces.
G
If is the angle measured between C and the y-axis,
160
= tan 1
= 25
350

You should head 25 west of north. You need to walk distance C = C x2 + C y2 = (160) 2 + (350)2 paces = 385
paces to get to the treasure.

3.39. Visualize: A 3% grade rises 3 m for every 100 m of horizontal distance. The angle of the ground is
thus = tan 1 (3/100) = 1.72.
Establish a tilted coordinate system with one axis parallel to the ground and the other axis perpendicular to the
ground.

G
Solve: From the figure, the magnitude of the component vector of v perpendicular to the ground
G
is v = v sin = 15.0 m/s. But this is only the size. We also have to note that the direction of v is down, so the
G
component is v = (15 m/s) j.

G
3.40. Visualize: The average velocity is the net displacement Dnet divided by the total time, which are marked on
the graph. We also mark on the graph of the bacteriums individual displacements and the time for each.

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

3-19

Solve: The magnitude of the net displacement is found with Pythagoreums rule, taking the values from the graph.

We have Dnet =

2
2
2
2
Dnet,
x + Dnet, y = (40 m) + (20 m ) = 45 m. The direction of this displacement is

Dnet, y
= tan 1 20 m = 27
Dnet, x
40 m

= tan 1

The total time for the displacement is the sum of the individual times, which may be found by dividing each
individual distance by the bacteriums constant speed of 20 m/s. This gives

t AB = DAB /(20 m/s ) = (50 m)2 + (10 m)2 /(20 m/s ) = (51.0 m)/(20 m/s ) = 2.55 s
t BC = DBC /(20 m/s ) = (10 m)/(20 m/s ) = 0.50 s
tCD = DCD /(20 m/s ) = (40 m)2 + (10 m)2 /(20 m/s ) = (41.0 m)/(20 m/s ) = 2.06 s
t DE = DDE /(20 m/s ) = (50 m)2 + (50 m)2 /(20 m/s ) = (70.7 m)/(20 m/s ) = 3.54 s
The total time is therefore tTot = 2.55 s + 0.50 s + 2.06 s + 3.54 s = 8.65 s and the magnitude of the bacteriums net
velocity is

vnet =

Dnet
45 m
=
= 5.2 m/s
tTot 8.65 s

3.41. Visualize:

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3-20

Chapter 3

G G
G
G
G
Solve: The resulting velocity is given by v = vfly + vwind , where vwind = (6.0 m/s)i and vfly = v sin i v cos j.
G
Substituting the known values we get v = (8.0 m/s)sin i (8.0 m/s)cos j + (6.0 m/s) i. We need to have vx = 0.
This means 0 = (8.0 m/s)sin + (6.0 m/s), so sin = 86 or = 49. Thus the ducks should head 49 west of south.

3.42. Model: We will treat the knot in the rope as a particle in static equilibrium.
Visualize:

G
G
Solve: Expressing the vectors in component form, we have F1 = 3.0i and F2 = 5.0sin (30)i + 5.0cos(30) j. Since
G
G G
G G
G G
we must have F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 for the know to remain stationary, we can write F3 = 2F1 F2 = 0.50 i 4.33 j. The
G
G
2
magnitude of F3 is given by F3 = ( 0.50 ) + ( 4.33) 2 = 4.4 units The angle between F3 and the negative x-axis is

= tan 1(4.33/0.50) = 83 below the negative x-axis.

Assess: The resultant vector has both components negative, and is therefore in quadrant III. Its magnitude and
G
direction are reasonable. Note the minus sign that we have manually inserted with the force F2 .

3.43. Visualize:

Use a tilted coordinate system such that x-axis is down the slope.
G
G
Solve: Expressing all three forces in terms of unit vectors, we have F1 = (3.0 N)i, F2 = +(6.0 N) j , and
G
F3 = (5.0 N)sin i (5.0 N)cos j.
G
(a) The component of Fnet parallel to the floor is ( Fnet ) x = (3.0 N) + 0 N + (5.0 N)sin (30) = 0.50 N, or 0.50 N
up the slope.
G
(b) The component of Fnet perpendicular to the floor is ( Fnet ) y = 0 N + (6.0 N) (5.0 N)cos(30) = 1.67 N, or 1.7 N
to two significant figures.

G
(c) The magnitude of Fnet is Fnet = ( Fnet ) x + ( Fnet ) y = (0.50 N) 2 + (1.67 N) 2 = 1.74 N, or 1.7 N to two
G
significant figures. The angle between Fnet and the negative x-axis is

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Vectors and Coordinate Systems

(F ) y

= tan 1 Gnet
G
Fnet is 73 clockwise from the x-axis.

( Fnet ) x

3-21

1.67 N
= tan 1
= 73
0.50 N

3.44. Visualize:

Solve: Using trigonometry to calculate , we get = tan 1 (100 cm/ 141 cm) = 35.3. Expressing the three forces
G
G
G
component form gives FB = (3.0 N)i, FC = (6.0 N) j , and FD = + (2.0 N)cos(35.3)i (2.0 N) sin (35.3) j =
G
G
G
G
G
(1.63 N)i (1.16 N) j. The total force is Fnet = FB + FC + FD = 1.37 N i 7.2 N j. The magnitude of Fnet is

Fnet = (1.37 N) 2 + (7.2 N) 2 = 7.3 N.

net = tan 1

( Fnet ) y
( Fnet ) x

7.2 N
= tan 1
= 79
1.37 N

G
Fnet = (7.3 N, 79 below the negative x-axis in quadrant III).

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