Linear momentum ( p ) will be maximally conserved when two particles moving towards one another with a constant velocity ( v ) along a straight line collide: p1i + p2i = p’1f + p’2f Things become somewhat more complicated when some measurable entity is maximized or minimized when it passes through some other entityContinue reading “MATHEMATICS: The Unit Circle, Sine, Cosine, and Tangent Functions”
Tag Archives: tangent
AP PHYSICS: Finding The Equilibrant Vector
An equilibrant vector is a vector that is the exact opposite of some other vector in both magnitude and direction. The simplest example of an equilibrant vector involves a single vector paired with its opposite: If the vector pair above represents two opposing forces, the net effect of being paired together is a cancellation thatContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Finding The Equilibrant Vector”
AP PHYSICS: Vector Addition
Q: An ant travels long distances each day in search of food. On one such occasion, the ant travels 3.0 meters at an angle of 300 north of east. Afterward, the ant travels 2.0 meters to the north. Finally, the ant finds food after traveling 2.0 meters at an angle of 600 south of west.Continue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Addition”
AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry vs The Pythagorean Theorem
Q: A football is kicked with a velocity of 8.5 m/s at an angle of 350 with respect to the football field: At the moment of takeoff, the football has a vertical component of motion of 4.9 m/s. What is the horizontal component of motion? A: Since an angle and a diagonal vector have beenContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry vs The Pythagorean Theorem”
AP PHYSICS: Vector Components
Q: A projectile flies with a velocity of 750 km per hour at a 300 angle south of east: What is the magnitude of the eastward component of motion? A: The projectile is moving both eastward and south simultaneously. The eastward component of motion is determined by using an appropriate trigonometric function that relates theContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: Vector Components
When vectors are oriented away from the ( x ) and ( y ) axes, they can be evaluated using ( x ) and ( y ) components. These components can be linked together in a tip-to-tail fashion which yields the same results as the primary vector in question: It is useful to imagine theContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Components”
AP PHYSICS: Vector Addition and Subtraction
A scalar quantity is one that is dimensionless in terms of direction and is expressed in terms that communicate their magnitude. Energy and time are two great examples of such. On the other hand, there are vectors. Unlike scalar quantities, vectors possess both magnitude and direction. For example, an object can be considered to travelContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Vector Addition and Subtraction”
AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components
Q: A charged species traveling at a constant velocity ( v ) through a magnetic field ( B ) will experience a force if the direction of motion is at a 900 angle with the B-field. How can trigonometry be used to quantify this phenomena? A: The magnetic force ( Fm ) on the chargedContinue reading “AP PHYSICS: Trigonometry and Vector Components”
FORCE AND ACCELERATION: 3-4-5 Right-Triangle Mathematics
Q: Two men attempt to pull a box in the diagram below: What is the resultant force in Newtons ( N ) exerted on the box? A: This is a classic question involving a 3-4-5 right triangle. Trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem enable us to solve the problem using the numbers 3, 4, and 5.Continue reading “FORCE AND ACCELERATION: 3-4-5 Right-Triangle Mathematics”
KINEMATICS: The Speedboat Will Miss its Mark by What Distance?
A speedboat travels eastward at 80 knots (150 km/h) through a northward current of water moving 4.00m/s. Q1: What is the speedboat’s velocity vector relative to the starting port? What is the angle of travel? Q2: If the boat’s captain wanted the boat to travel due east without getting off course, how far off courseContinue reading “KINEMATICS: The Speedboat Will Miss its Mark by What Distance?”
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 