Mechanics: Vectors and Projectiles
Vectors and Projectiles: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set VP7, Question 4:
Kimora and her Mom enjoy exploring caves. On one adventure this past summer, Kimora started at the entrance and moved in the following manner:
First: 68 m north
Second: 246 m east
Third: 112 m at an angle 30 degrees north of east
Fourth: 159 m south
a. Find the magnitude of Kimora's resultant displacement (in meters) from the cave entrance.
b. What is the direction (in degrees) of Kimora's resultant displacement? Use the counterclockwise from east convention.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
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...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
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...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram iteself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vox = 12.4 m/s, voy = 0.0 m/s, dx = 32.7 m, dy = ???).
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...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understaning of physics principles.
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...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
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...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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