IDNLearn.com provides a collaborative environment for finding and sharing knowledge. Ask anything and receive prompt, well-informed answers from our community of knowledgeable experts.

Vector [tex]$A$[/tex] is 2 units in length and points along the positive [tex]$x$[/tex]-axis. Vector [tex]$B$[/tex] is also 2 units in length and points in a direction [tex]$120^{\circ}$[/tex] from the positive [tex]$x$[/tex]-axis.

What is the magnitude of [tex]$A + B$[/tex]?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4


Sagot :

Let's find the magnitude of the resultant vector [tex]\( \mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} \)[/tex]. Given:

- Length of vector [tex]\( \mathbf{A} \)[/tex], [tex]\( A = 2 \)[/tex] units
- Length of vector [tex]\( \mathbf{B} \)[/tex], [tex]\( B = 2 \)[/tex] units
- The angle between [tex]\( \mathbf{A} \)[/tex] and [tex]\( \mathbf{B} \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 120^\circ \)[/tex]

Here are the steps to solve the problem:

1. Convert the Angle to Radians: The angle given is [tex]\( 120^\circ \)[/tex]. Angles in vectors calculations are generally converted to radians for ease of use.
[tex]\[ \text{Angle in radians} = \frac{120 \times \pi}{180} = \frac{2\pi}{3} \approx 2.0944 \text{ radians} \][/tex]

2. Use the Law of Cosines to find the magnitude of the resultant vector [tex]\( \mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ C^2 = A^2 + B^2 + 2 \cdot A \cdot B \cdot \cos(\theta) \][/tex]
Where:
- [tex]\( C \)[/tex] is the magnitude of [tex]\( \mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( A = 2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( B = 2 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( \theta = 120^\circ \)[/tex]

3. Substitute the Values:
[tex]\[ C^2 = 2^2 + 2^2 + 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2 \cdot \cos(120^\circ) \][/tex]

Now, using [tex]\( \cos(120^\circ) = -0.5 \)[/tex]:

4. Calculate:
[tex]\[ C^2 = 4 + 4 + 2 \cdot 2 \cdot (-0.5) \][/tex]
[tex]\[ C^2 = 4 + 4 - 4 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ C^2 = 4 \][/tex]

5. Find the Magnitude:
[tex]\[ C = \sqrt{4} = 2 \][/tex]

Therefore, the magnitude of [tex]\( \mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex] units.

So, the correct answer is:
c. 2
We value your participation in this forum. Keep exploring, asking questions, and sharing your insights with the community. Together, we can find the best solutions. IDNLearn.com is committed to providing the best answers. Thank you for visiting, and see you next time for more solutions.