Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Unit 5: Vectors
7-1: Vectors and Scalars

Scalar Quantity: - quantity that involves a Magnitude of measurement but NO Direction.

Vector Quantity: - quantity that involves a Magnitude of measurement AND a Direction.

Scalar Quantities Examples Vector Quantities Examples

Distance 20 m Displacement 20 m [North]
(Length WITHOUT Direction) (Length WITH Direction)
Speed 50 km/h Velocity 50 km/h [280o]
(How Fast an object moves WITHOUT Direction) (How Fast an object moves WITH Direction)
Mass 44 kg Force 40 N downward
(How Much Stuff is IN an object) (Mass × Acceleration)
Energy 500 kJ Weight 500 N (always downward)
(Emits in ALL Directions) (Force due to Gravity)
Temperature 25 oC Friction 15 N (against the direction of motion)
(Average Kinetic Energy of an object) (Resistance Force due to Surface Conditions)
Time 65 minutes Acceleration 5 m/s2 [NW]
(How Fast Velocity Changes over Time)

Vector Notation: - a method of indicating that the quantity is a vector by placing an arrow → on top of the
variable.

Bearing: - compass bearing STARTS at the North (0o) and rotates CLOCKWISE.

N = 0o Example: Vector AB or v = 30 km/h [NE] or N45oE

NW = 315 o
NE = 45 o
(From N, move 45o towards E)

B Ending Point (Head)

W = 270o E = 90o
Magnitude v = 30 km/h

SW = 225o SE = 135o
S = 180o A Starting Point (Tail)

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 109.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
Draw Vectors with Proper Scale

Example 1: Draw F1 = 60 N [115o] Example 2: Draw F2 = 45 N [240o]

(Use 1 cm = 10 N) (Use 1 cm = 10 N)
N = 0o N = 0o

115o

F2 = 45 N 240o
F1 = 60 N

4.5 cm
6 cm

Example 3: Draw d1 = 32 km [N20oW] Example 4: Draw d 2 = 56 m [E35No]

(Use 1 cm = 10 km) (Use 1 cm = 10 m)
N N
d 1 = 32 km
20o d 2 = 56 m
5.6 cm
3.2 cm o
55
70o 35o
W E

OR we can say d 1 = 32 km [W70oN]

OR we can say d 2 = 56 m [N55oE]

Equal and Opposite Vectors

Equal Vectors: - vectors that have the SAME Magnitude AND Direction.
B
D

AB = CD where AB = CD and they have the SAME Direction.

A
C

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 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Opposite Vectors: - vectors that have the SAME Magnitude but DIFFERENT Direction.
B
C

AB = −CD where AB = CD and they have OPPOSITE Direction.

A
D

Example 5: Draw the opposite velocity vector to v = 40 km/h [S63Wo] (Use 1 cm = 10 km/h)
N − v = 40 km/h

63o 4 cm

W E

v = 40 km/h
63o Opposite Velocity Vector = − v = 40 km/h [N63oE]
4 cm

Example 6: Draw the opposite acceleration vector to a = 55 m/s2 [115o] (Use 1 cm = 10 m/s2)

− a = 55 m/s2
115o
5.5 cm
Opposite Acceleration Vector = − a = 55 m/s2 [295o]
W E

180o + 115o = 295o a = 55 m/s2

5.5 cm
S

7-1 Assignment: pg. 307 – 309 #1 to 9

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 111.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

7-2: Adding Vectors Using Scale Diagrams

Resultant Vector: - the vector that is the result of vector addition or subtraction.
- from the Starting Point of the First Vector to the Ending Point of the Last Vector.

Adding Vectors (always Connect Vectors FROM HEAD TO TAIL)

Slide vector v along vector u

u+v = R u until the vectors are lined up u
v

From HEAD to TAIL.

R
v

Example 1: Draw AB + CD
B CD
C D
AB B

A AB
A R
C
CD D

Subtracting Vectors (ADD OPPOSITE VECTORS)

u−v = u+ −v = R ( ) −v
Create an Opposite Add From
u u HEAD To TAIL R
Vector v ( − v )
u
−v
v v

Example 2: Draw AB − CD
B
B
AB D − CD
AB C
B
A
A D AB
− CD C R
C CD D
CD D A

AB + ( −CD ) = R

Page 112. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Example 3: A ship left the dock and traveled north at 50 km/h for 2 hours, then it turned west at 60 km/h
for 3 hour.

a. What is the net resultant displacement vector, R ? (Use 1 cm = 20 km)

d 1 = 50 km/h [N] × 2 hr d 1 = 100 km [North] (5 cm)

d 2 = 60 km/h [N] × 3 hr d 2 = 180 km [West] (9 cm)

d 2 = 180 km [West] (9 cm)

measured (10.3 cm)

R = 10.3 cm × 20 km/cm
measured d 1 = 100 km [North] (5 cm)
R = 206 km angle (61o)

R = 206 km [N61oW] or [W29oN] or [299o] Bearing 360o − 61o = 299o

b. What is the displacement vector the ship must follow to return to the dock?
N
Bearing 299o − 180o (or 90o + 29o) = 119o
E
29o
Return Displacement Vector = Opposite Resultant Vector
S
− R = 206 km

− R = 206 km [S61oE] or [E29oS] or [119o]

Example 4: A plane is flying south at 400 km/h and a steady wind is blowing from the east at 100 km/h. If
a sudden gust of wind appears from the south at 150 km/h. What is the resultant velocity vector
of the plane? (Use 1 cm = 100 km/h) N
v 2 = 100 km/h [West]
(from the east) (1 cm)
Bearing 180o + 22o = 202o
measured angle (22o)
v 1 = 400 km/h [South] (4 cm) R = 2.7 cm × 100 km/h / cm v 1 + v .3 = 250 km/h [South] (2.5 cm)

R = 270 km/h v 2 = 100 km/h [West]

v 3 = 150 km/h [North]
(from the south) (1.5 cm)
R = 270 km/h [S22oW] or [W68oS] or [202o]

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 113.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
Example 5: A kayak left Port Alberni due west for 25 km. It then turned at a bearing of 300o and traveled
on for 40 km. Hearing the sighting of killer whales, it turned at a bearing of 40o for 10 km.
What is the kayak’s net displacement from Port Alberni? (Use 1 cm = 5 km)
measured (12.0 cm) R = 12.0 cm × 5 km/cm
Bearing 40o
d 3 = 10 km
R = 60 km
[40o] (2 cm)

R = 60 km [W28oN] or [N62oW] or [298o]

d 2 = 40 km [300o] (8 cm)
measured
angle (28o)

Bearing 300o d 1 = 25 km [West] Bearing 270o + 28o = 298o

(5 cm)

Equilibrant: - the opposite resultant force of an object which does not move, but is acted on by other
forces.

Example 6: Two tow trucks are trying to pull a heavy trailer out of a ditch. One tow truck is applying a
force of 4500 N at N40oW and the other truck is pulling with a force of 6500 N at 210o. The
trailer remained stuck in the ditch.

a. Calculate the resultant force on the heavy trailer. (Use 1 cm = 1000 N)

F1 = 4500 N [N40oW] (4.5 cm)
N40oW N
F2 = 6500 N [210o]
Bearing 210o

measured
angle (20o)

Bearing 270o − 20o = 250o

measured (6.6 cm)

R = 6.6 cm × 1000 N/cm

R = 6600 N F2 = 6500 N [210o] (6.5 cm)

R = 6600 N [W20oS] or [S70oW] or [250o]

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 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

b. What is the equilibrant force on the heavy trailer?

N Equilibrant Force = Opposite Resultant Force

− R = 6600 N
Bearing 70o

20o − R = 6600 N [E20oN] or [N70oE] or [70o]

E

Example 7: A neon sign has a weight of 2500 N is hanged by two ropes as shown below. One rope with a
tension force of 1500 N is directed to the left with an angle of 40o to the horizontal. Determine
the tension force vector exerted by the other rope to keep the neon sign from moving.
(Use 1 cm = 500 N)
Horizontal
40o 40o θ
F1 = 1500 N F2 = ? [Angle θ to the horizontal]
o
[40 horizontal] (3 cm)
θ
Horizontal
Neon Sign

measured (3.8 cm) Weight ( W ) = 2500 N [Down] (5 cm)

− Weight ( − W )
F2 = 3.8 cm × 500 N/cm 2500 N [Up] (5 cm)
F 2 = 1900 N
θ (53o) measured
Horizontal

F1 = 1500 N Since F1 and F2 do NOT add up to W , but ADD up to the Equilibrant

o
[40 horizontal] (3 cm) Force ( − W ), we will have to draw the Opposite Weight Vector.

Weight ( W ) = 2500 N [Down] (5 cm)

F2 = 1900 N [53o horizontal]

7-2 Assignment: pg. 318 – 319 #1 to 11

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 115.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

7-3: Multiplying a Vector by a Scalar

When multiplying a vector ( u ) by a scalar (k), we simply multiply the magnitude of the vector by
the scalar. There are 3 possibilities with the direction of the resultant vector.

1. If k > 0, k u = | k u | with the SAME Direction as u .

2. If k < 0, k u = | k u | with the OPPOSITE Direction as u .
3. If k = 0, k u = 0 (NO Resultant Vector).

v
Example 1: Given vector v , draw:

a. 2 v b. 3 v
3 v = 9 cm
2 v = 6 cm

v = 3 cm
v = 3 cm

c. 0.5 v d. −1.5 v e. −2 v

−1.5 v = 4.5 cm −2 v = 6 cm
0.5 v = 1.5 cm (Opposite Direction) (Opposite Direction)

v = 3 cm
v = 3 cm v = 3 cm

Example 2: Using the scale of 1 cm = 5 N, find the following vectors given that F = 20 N [West]

a. 2.5 F
F = 20 N [West] (4 cm)

2.5 F = 2.5 × 20N [West]

2.5 F = 50 N [West] (10 cm)

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Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

b. −2 F
−2 F = 2 × 20N [East]
F = 20 N [West] (4 cm)
−2 F = 40 N [East] (8 cm)

c. 4 F − 5.3 F
4 F − 5.3 F = −1.3 F
−1.3 F = 1.3 × 20N [East]
F = 20 N [West] (4 cm)
−1.3 F = 26 N [East] (5.2 cm)

Example 3: Find the value of the scalar, k, given the following information.

a. v = 14 m/s [North] and k v = 42 m/s [North] b. a = 9.81 m/s2 [Down] and k a = 4.905 m/s2 [Up]

k( v ) = k v k( a ) = k a
k v 42 m/s [North] k a 4.905 m/s 2 [Down] − 4.905 m/s 2 [Up]
k= = k=3 k= = =
v 14 m/s [North] a 9.81 m/s 2 [Up] 9.81 m/s 2 [Up]
Opposite Vectors is used to bring about the SAME
Units and Directions must be the SAME Direction.
before Cancellation.
k = −0.5
The scalar, k, is always UNITLESS

Analyzing Vector by its Horizontal and Vertical Components

For any given vector, we can form a Right Angle Triangle by taking the Vector as a HYPOTENUSE.
N = y-axis
− vx wy N = y-axis
uy sin β =
cosα = sin θ =
v w
u u px
w y = w sin β cos γ =
v x = −v cosα u y = u sin θ p
uy
−vx w px p x = p cos γ
W θ wy
β
−vy α ux E = x-axis W
− wx γ E = x-axis
v − py
ux
cos θ = − wx
cos β = p − py
− vy u w sin γ =
sin α =
v u x = u cos θ p
S w x = − w cos β
v y = −v sinα S p y = − p sin γ

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 117.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
Calculator must be in
Example 4: Find the horizontal and vertical components of the following vectors. DEGREE Mode!
a. F = 46 N [N20oW] b. v = 425 km/h [65o]

F = 46 N N = y-axis N = y-axis v x = 385.18 km/h

v y = 179.61 km/h
F x = −15.73 N v = 425 km/h
20o F y = 43.23 N 65o v y = 425 km/h (sin 25o)
F y = 46 N (sin 70o) 25o
E = x-axis
W v x = 425 km/h (cos 25o)
70o
W E = x-axis
S
S

c. d = 385.2 m [S57oE] d. a = 8.21 m/s2 [219o]

N = y-axis N = y-axis
d x = 385.2 m (cos 33o)
W E = x-axis a x = −8.21 m/s2 (cos 51o)
33o W E = x-axis
o
d y = −385.2 m (sin 33 ) 51o
a y = −8.21 m/s2 (sin 51o) 219o
57o

d = 385.2 m d x = 323.06 m a x = −5.17 m/s2

d y = −209.79 m a y = −6.38 m/s2 S
S a = 8.21 m/s2

Example 5: Given u = 1 N [North], v = 1 N [East], scalars h and k, and w = h u + k v . For w = 8 N [123o],

determine the values of the scalars h and k.
N = y-axis

123o k v = 6.71 N hu = −4.36 N

k v = w x = 8 N cos (33o)
k v 6.71 N [East] hu − 4.36 N [North]
W E = x-axis k= = h= =
33o v 1 N [East] u 1 N [North]
hu = w y = −8 N (sin 33o)
k = 6.71 h = −4.36
w =8N
S

7-3 Assignment: pg. 322 – 323 #1 to 5

Page 118. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

7-4: Solving Vector Problems by Computation

Basic Trigonometry Review

A For any right angle triangles, we can use the simple trigonometric ratios.
opposite adjacent opposite
Hypotenuse sin θ = cosθ = tan θ =
hypotenuse hypotenuse adjacent
Opposite c
SOH CAH TOA
b
Be sure that your calculator is set in DEGREE
θ under the settings in your MODE menu!
B
C Adjacent
a θ - “theta” – variable for angle

Capital letter is always used to label the angle.

The name for the side that is opposite to the angle
has the corresponding letter in small case.

Example 1: Find tan X, ∠ X and XZ .

X X
Label the sides and angle θ y 2 = 82 + 152
y y 2 = 64 + 225
θ
15 cm z = 15 cm hyp y 2 = 289
adj y = 289
y = 17cm

Y 8 cm
Z Y x = 8 cm opp Z

tan X =
opp
tan X =
8 2nd
adj 15
8 TAN
tan X = X = 28o
15

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 119.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

The Sine Law

For any triangle, the Law of Sines allows us to solve the rest of the triangle if we know the
measure of an angle and the length of its opposite side, plus one other angle or side.
A
sin A sin B sin C
c = =
b
a b c
When using the Sine Law, we only use a ratio
B C
a of two fractions at one time.

The Cosine Law

For any triangle, the Law of Cosines allows us to solve the triangle if we know the measure of an
angle and the length of its two adjacent sides (Case SAS), or if we know the lengths of all three sides
(Case SSS).
A
a = b + c − 2bc(cos A)
2 2 2

c Solving for cos A:

b
a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc(cos A)
2bc(cos A) = b 2 + c 2 − a 2
B C
a b2 + c 2 − a 2
cos A =
2bc
When given the length for all three sides, solve for the largest angle first!
This will eliminate any chance for an ambiguous situation.

Angles in Parallelogram

o
θ
180 − θ
In any parallelogram, the Opposite Angles always have the SAME
measure. The Adjacent Angles will always ADD up to 180o.

180o − θ
θ

Page 120. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Example 2: In ∆ABC, ∠A = 105o, b = 18 m and c = 25 m. Solve the triangle to the nearest degree and to
the nearest tenth of a metre.
a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc(cos A) sin A sin B
B =
(
a 2 = 182 + 252 − 2(18)(25) cos105o ) a
o
b
sin105 sin B
a = 1181.937141
2
=
a=? 34.4 18
a = 1181.937141
c = 25 m sin B =
(
18 sin105o )
105o a = 34.4 m 34.4
sin B = 0.5054263045
C b = 18 m A
∠C = 180o − 105o − 30o
∠B = 30o
∠C = 45o

Example 3: In parallelogram BACD, ∠B = 50o, AB = 80 cm and AC = 35 cm. Find the length of the
diagonal BC to the nearest tenth of a centimetre. Determine ∠CBA to the nearest degree.
D C
C
a=?
a=?
AC = 35 cm
50o
b = 35 cm
θ o
130
B A θ
AB = 80 cm
∠A = 180o − 50o B A
c = 80 cm

a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc(cos A) sin A sin B

=
a = 35 + 80 − 2(35)(80) cos130
2 2 2
( o
) a b
o
a 2 = 11224.61061 sin130 sin B
=
105.9 35
a = 11224.61061
sin B =
(
35 sin130o )
a = 105.9 cm 105.9
sin B = 0.2531780501

∠B = 15o

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 121.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

Solving Vectors Algebraically

1. Draw a Vector Diagram with everything properly labeled.
2. For vectors that form a Right Angle Triangle, line up vectors from Head to Tail. Use the
Pythagorean Theorem and the Tangent Ratio to solve for the Magnitude of the Resultant Vector
and its Compass Bearing or Heading.
3. For vectors that do NOT form a Right Angle Triangle, use any one of the two methods below.
Parallelogram Method: (can only be use to Add TWO Vectors)
a. Line up vectors from Head to Tail by sliding the second vector along the first.
b. Complete the remaining side to form a Parallelogram.
c. Using the Law of Cosine, find the Magnitude of the Resultant Vector.
d. Using the Law of Sine, find the proper Compass Heading or Bearing of the Resultant Vector.

Vector Components Method: (can be use to Add TWO or MORE Vectors)

a. Find the horizontal and vertical components of ALL Vectors.
b. Add up all the horizontal vectors (be careful with the signs). This is the Resultant Vector’s
Horizontal Component.
c. Add up all the vertical vectors (be careful with the signs). This is the Resultant Vector’s Vertical
Component.
d. Using the horizontal and vertical components of the Resultant Vector with the Pythagorean
Theorem, determine the Magnitude of the Resultant Vector.
e. Using the Tangent Ratio, find the proper Compass Heading or Bearing of the Resultant Vector.

Example 4: A ferry is crossing a channel 50 km wide with a velocity of 32 km/h [North]. The channel has a
current that is 8 km/h [West]. What would be the magnitude and direction of the ferry’s
resultant velocity?
v 2 = 8 km/h [W]

Channel 50 km v1 = 32 km/h [N]

R =? θ
Ferry’s Velocity
v1 = 32 km/h [N]

Current
R 2 = 82 + 32 2 8
v 2 = 8 km/h [W] tan θ =
R 2 = 64 + 1024 32
R 2 = 1088 θ = 14o
R = 1088

R =33 km/h R = 33 km/h [N14oW] or 346o

Page 122. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Example 5: 250 N [35o] + 85 N [140o]

Parallelogram Method 180o − 105o

= 75o
85 N

N N
Slide vectors along each other until
250 N the vectors are lined up From HEAD 250 N
to TAIL to form a parallelogram.
35o 35o θ R

140o
140o − 35o
= 105o
Taking the Top Triangle and apply
85 N the Cosine Law and Sine Law.
85 N
A

b = 85 N sin A sin B
75o =
a b
C o
sin 75 sin B
c = 250 N a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc(cos A) =
242.3 85
(
a 2 = 250 2 + 85 2 − 2(250)(85) cos 75 o ) (
85 sin 75o)
sin B =
θ a = 58725.19058
2
242.3
a= R
a = 58725.19058 sin B = 0.3388514042

∠B = θ = 20o
R = 242.3 N
B
250 N
N
35o + 20o
= 55o 20o
35o R = 242.3 N R = 242.3 N [N55oE] or [55o]

140o

85 N

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 123.

 Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

Example 6: 45 m/s [345o] − 62 m/s [213o]

62 m/s [33o]
Vector Components Method
45 m/s [345o] − 62 m/s [213o] 213o − 180o
= 45 m/s [345o] + (− 62 m/s [213o]) 45 m/s N
= 45 m/s [345o] + 62 m/s [33o]
Obtain the Vertical and
Horizontal Components of each 33o
vector we are about to add. o 57o
345
75o
v 2 = 62 m/s
213o
o
v1 = 45 m/s v 2 y = 62 m/s (sin 57 )
v 2 y = 51.998 m/s
v 1 y = 45 m/s (sin 75o) N

v 1 y = 43.467 m/s 75o 62 m/s [213o]

57o

v 1 x = −45 m/s (cos 75o) v 2 x = 62 m/s (cos 57o)

v 1 x = −11.647 m/s v 2 x = 33.768 m/s

R x = v1 x + v 2 x = −11.647 m/s + 33.768 m/s

R = 98.0 m/s R y = 95.465 m/s
R x = 22.121 m/s

R y = v1 y + v 2 y = 43.467 m/s + 51.998 m/s

R y = 95.465 m/s N
2 2 2
R = Rx + Ry Ry
tan θ = 77o
2 2 Rx
R= Rx + Ry
95.465
tan θ = R x = 22.121 m/s
R = 22.121 2 + 95.465 2 22.121

R = 9602.904866
θ = 77o

R = 98.0 m/s R = 98.0 m/s [E77oN] or [N13oE] or [13o]

Page 124. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Example 7: A plane is flying at 1200 feet with a cruising speed of 600 km/h heading S55oE. If the velocity
of the wind is 150 km/h from the west, determine the magnitude and the direction of the
aircraft’s resultant velocity. 180o − 35o
N N = 145o

150 km/h 150 km/h

W E W E
35o
Using the Parallelogram Method
55o 600 km/h

600 km/h 600 km/h

150 km/h
S S
Taking the Top Triangle and apply
the Cosine Law and Sine Law.

b = 150 km/h
A
C o
θ 145
a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc(cos A)
c = 600 km/h
(
a 2 = 150 2 + 600 2 − 2(150)(600) cos145o )
a = 529947.368
2
a= R
a = 529947.368

R = 728 km/h
N B
sin A sin C
=
150 km/h a c
o
W E sin 145 sin C
28o =
728 600

sin C =
(
600 sin 145o )
R = 728 km/h 728
600 km/h
sin C = 0.4727278322

∠C = θ = 28o

S R = 728 km/h [118o] or [E28oS] or [S62oE]

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 125.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
Example 8: A wooden sign with a weight of 400 N is hung from the ledge of a building by two ropes. One
rope pulls at 30o to the horizontal from the left, and the other pulls at 42o to the horizontal from
the right as illustrated on the diagram below. What are the magnitudes of the tension forces
exerted by the two ropes?

30o 42o
The two ropes exert a combined tension force equal
to the opposite vector of the sign’s weight.

Using the Parallelogram Method

Wooden Sign − R = 400 N (up)

180o − 30o − 42o

180o − 60o − 72o = 108o F2 = ?
= 48o F1 = ?
30o 42o
F2 = ? Horizontal

180o − 108o − R = 400 N

= 72o
F2 = ?
F1 = ? 60o R = 400 N (down)
o
30 42o
Horizontal

Taking the Left Triangle and

apply the Sine Law.

sin A sin B sin A sin C

B = =
a b a c
48o sin 72 o
sin 48 o sin 72 o
sin 60 o
c = F2 = =
400 b 400 c

a = − R = 400 N b=
(
400 sin 48 o ) c=
(
400 sin 60 o )
A 72o ( )
sin 72 o ( )
sin 72 o

60o b = F1 = 312.6 N c = F2 = 364.2 N

b = F1
C

7-4 Assignment: pg. 328 – 329 #1 to 11

REDO: pg. 318 − 319 #1 to 10 (without using scale diagrams)

Page 126. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Vector Project: Vehicle Collision Analysis

Purpose: To reconstruct accident details using the law of conservation of momentum.

Background Information:
Momentum: - a vector quantity which is the product of an object’s mass (kg) and velocity (m/s or km/h)

Momentum = Mass × Velocity

p = mv

Example: Calculate the momentum of a 500 kg car is moving N20oW at 60 km/h.

p = mv = (500 kg)(60 km/h)

p = 30000 kg • km/h [N20oW]

Conservation of Momentum: - when objects collide, the total momentum before the collision is
the same as the total momentum after the collision.

Total Initial Momentum = Total Final Momentum

pi = p f

If two vehicles collided at a right angle, and the vehicles got STUCK TOGETHER After the Collision,
the vector diagram would be as shown below.

pi = p f
Vehicle 1 with mass (m1) m1 v 1 + m2 v 2 = (m1 + m2) v f
Vehicles 1 and 2 with
and velocity ( v 1 ) Total Mass (m1 + m2) and
Final Velocity ( v f )

Vehicle 2 with mass (m2)

and velocity ( v 2 )
By knowing the angle after the collision, the masses of the two
vehicles, and their final velocity (usually by measuring the length of
the skid mark), we can find out their velocities before the collision.

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 127.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
If two vehicles collided at a right angle, and the vehicles REMAIN SEPARATED After the Collision, the
vector diagram would be as shown below.

Vehicle 1 with mass (m1)

and final velocity ( v 1 f )

Vehicle 1 with mass (m1)

and velocity ( v 1 ) pi = p f
Vehicle 2 with mass (m2)
and final velocity ( v 2 f ) m1 v 1 + m2 v 2 = m1 v 1 f + m2 v 2 f

Vehicle 2 with mass (m2)

and velocity ( v 2 )
By knowing the angles of both cars after the collision, the masses of the
two vehicles, and their final velocities (usually by measuring the length of
the skid mark), we can find out their velocities before the collision.

Procedure:

Part A: Collision of Two Vehicles that got STUCK TOGETHER Afterwards

1. Two vehicles collided at an uncontrolled intersection. Vehicle A was traveling eastbound and Vehicle B
was traveling northbound. No one knew how fast they were going but both vehicles got stuck together
traveling at N (some angle) E direction after the collision. Eventually they stopped and left a skid mark.

2. Copy and fill out the following table. Pick numbers for the values from the brackets below.

Mass of Vehicle A (500 kg to 1000 kg)

Mass of Vehicle B (500 kg to 1000 kg)

Angle both vehicles made after the collision (N15oE to N75oE)

Velocity of both vehicles after the collision (40 km/h to 130 km/h)

3. Draw a vector diagram with the appropriate vectors and proper labeling. The diagram should be drawn
to scale and the scale factor labeled.

4. Find the velocities of both vehicles just before the collision using:
a. your scale drawing.
b. the algebraic method.

Page 128. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Part B: Collision of Two Vehicles that REMAIN SEPARATED Afterwards

1. Two vehicles collided at an uncontrolled intersection. Vehicle C was traveling westbound and Vehicle
D was traveling southbound. No one knew how fast they were going. After the collision, both vehicles
were traveling at different S (some angle) W directions after the collision. Eventually they stopped and
left two different skid marks.

2. Copy and fill out the following table. Pick numbers for the values from the brackets below.

Mass of Vehicle C (500 kg to 1000 kg)

Mass of Vehicle D (500 kg to 1000 kg)

Angle Vehicle C made after the collision (S10oW to S44oW)

Angle Vehicle D made after the collision (S46oW to S80oW)

Velocity of Vehicle C after the collision (40 km/h to 130 km/h)

Velocity of Vehicle D after the collision (40 km/h to 130 km/h)

3. Draw a vector diagram with the appropriate vectors and proper labeling. The diagram should be drawn
to scale and the scale factor labeled. (You might have to draw more than one diagram for this part.)

4. Find the velocities of both vehicles just before the collision using:
a. your scale drawing.
b. the algebraic method (either by parallelogram method or vector components method).

Note:
1. All diagrams drawn must be to scale and properly label.
2. All work and calculations must be shown clearly.
3. Students can work together to discuss the project, but they should each have their own numbers to work
with and do their own calculations. Students who copied from each other will end up sharing the mark.
Let’s say the mark was 70% and two students were involved in copying each other’s work. They each
get 35%.
4. Late Project handed in one day after the due date is counted as 30% off the total mark. Project handed
in two days and later will not be marked.

Due Date: ______________________ ____________

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 129.

 Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30

7-5: Vector Problems in 3-Dimensions

When answering vector problems in 3-dimensions, it is helpful to make a box to show all the angles
involved.
UP

N (into the page)

R z
W
E

S (out of the page) c

c = x+ y
α
DOWN
y R= x+ y+z
R has the direction of θ ALL Triangles in the box
East (θ) North and α as are Right Angle Triangles!
the Angle of Elevation. x

The diagonal of the box ( R ) can be found by the 3-Dimensional

2 2 2 2
Pythagorean Theorem, R = x + y + z

2 2 2
R= x + y +z

OR

2 2 2 2
c = x + y and
R = c + z

The angles θ and α can be determined by using the Tangent Ratio.

y z
tan θ = sin α =
x R

Page 130. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.

 Applied Math 30 Unit 5: Vectors

Example 1: A crane is lifting up a wall with a force of 1500 N. One worker pulls it with 600N of force
towards the north and another worker pulls it 500 N towards the west. What is the resulatnt
force on the wall?
2 2 2
Up R= F1 + F2 + F3
R =?
R = 600 2 + 500 2 + 1500 2 R = 1691.2 N

R = 2860000

F1 600 N F3 1500 N
F3 = 1500 N tan θ = = sin α = =
F2 500 N R 1691.2 N

North θ = 50o α = 62.5o

F1 = 600 N
α
c
θ R = 1691.2 N [W50oN]
West
with an Angle of Elevation
F2 = 500 N of 62.5o

Example 2: A tennis ball has a weight of 50 N and is thrown up during a serve with an applied force of
180 N. If the wind exerts a force of 35 N towards east, and the player’s racket hit the ball
towards the north with a force of 700 N, what is the resulatant force on the ball?

Applied Force = 180 N [Up]

Net Vertical Force = 130 N [Up]
Weight = 50 N [Down] Up 2 2 2
R= F1 + F2 + F3 = 700 2 + 35 2 + 130 2
R =?
F3 = 130 N R = 508125 R = 712.8 N

F1
700 N F3 130 N
tan θ = = sin α = =
North F2 35 N R 712.8 N
c
θ = 87o α = 10.5o
α
F1 = 700 N

θ R = 712.8 N [E87oN] with

East
an Angle of Elevation of
F2 = 35 N 10.5o

Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc. Page 131.

Unit 5: Vectors Applied Math 30
Example 3: A plane is taking off with a speed of 400 km/h towards the south and climbs at an angle of 21o
with the horizontal. A steady wind is blowing from the west at 60 km/h. Determine the speed
of the plane relative to the ground, and the angles the plane’s track make with the horizontal
and the ground.

R = Resultant Speed (relative to the ground)

α = Angle the Track of the Plane makes with the Ground
θ = Angle the Track of the Plane makes with the Horizontal

Up

R =? 21o
α
v3 = ? v3 = ? c
θ
v1 = 400 km/h

South
v 2 = 60 km/h East

2 2 2
v3 R= v1 + v2 + v3 = 400 2 + 60 2 + 153.546 2 v3
tan 21 =
o
sin α =
v1 R
R = 187176.2556 R = 432.6 km/h
v3 153.546 km/h
tan 21o = tan α =
400 km/h 432.6 km/h
v2
v3 = (400 ) tan 21o 60 km/h α = 20.8o
tan θ = = θ = 8.5o
v1 400 km/h
v 3 = 153.546 km/h

7-5 Assignment: pg. 336 – 337 #1 to 8

Page 132. Copyrighted by Gabriel Tang B.Ed., B.Sc.