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Two vectors, r and s lie in the xy plane. Their magnitudes are 4.5 and 7.2 units

ID: 2130347 • Letter: T

Question

Two vectors, r and s lie in the xy plane.  Their magnitudes are 4.5 and 7.2 units, respectively and their directions are 320 degrees and 85 degrees respectively, as measured counterclockwise from the positive x axis.  What is the cross product?


My attempts so far:

r x s = rs(sin(theta)) = (4.5)(7.2)sin(125) = 26.5405 Incorrect (also tried -26.5405 for fun Incorrect)

r x s = rs(sin(theta)) = (4.5)(7.2)sin(90) = Incorrect


rcos(theta) = 4.5cos320 = 3.4472

rsin(theta) = 4.5sin320 = -2.89254

scos(theta) = 7.2 cos85 = 0.627521

ssin(theta) = 7.2 sin85 = 7.42165


r x s = (rx)(sy)-(ry)(sx) = (3.4472)(7.42165)-(-2.89254)(0.627521) = 27.399 Incorrect


What am I doing wrong???

Explanation / Answer

r= rcos(360-320)i - r sin(360-320)j=4.5 cos(40)i- 4.5 sin(40)j


r=3.44 i - 2.89 j...


s=s cos(85)i + s sin(85)j....


s=0.627 i+7.172 j...


r X s=26.48 37K cap i.e perpendicular to xy plane