Question

Find the x- and y-components of the vector v⃗ = (4.0 cm/s , −x-direction).Express your answer in centimeters per second. Enter the x and y components of the vector separated by a comma.

Answer 1

Given,

vector v=(4.0 cm/s, -x direction)

The given vector is horizontal and directed along the negative x-axis. That is the angle of the vector with the positive x-axis is θ=180°

The x-component of the given vector is

$\begin{gathered} v_x=v\cos \theta \\ =4.0\times\cos 180^{\circ} \\ =-4.0\text{ cm/s} \end{gathered}$

Thus the x-component of the given vector is -4.0 cm/s

And the y-component of the given vector is,

$\begin{gathered} v_y=v\sin \theta \\ =4.0\times\sin 180 \\ =0\text{ cm/s} \end{gathered}$

Thus the y-component of the given vector is 0 cm/s

Therefore the answer is -4.0 cm/s, 0 cm/s