Resultant Vector Calculation

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How can we calculate the resultant vector when a helicopter rises 200 m and then flies 600 m in a straight line parallel to the ground?

Answer:

The resultant vector of the helicopter's displacement is 632.5 m at an angle of 18.4 degrees.

When dealing with the displacement of a helicopter that rises 200 m and then flies 600 m in a straight line parallel to the ground, we can calculate the resultant vector by adding the individual displacements. The first leg has a magnitude of 200 m and is in the southeast direction, while the second leg has a magnitude of 600 m parallel to the ground.

By using trigonometry and applying the Pythagorean theorem, we can find the magnitude of the resultant vector. The calculation is as follows: R = √((200^2) + (600^2)) = 632.5 m. The angle can be obtained by using the inverse tangent function, which gives an angle of 18.4 degrees.

Understanding how to calculate the resultant vector in a situation like this can be helpful in various fields such as physics, engineering, and navigation. It allows us to determine the overall displacement and direction of an object's motion, providing valuable information for analysis and decision-making.

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