A train goes up a hill with a 15º incline. If the train has constant speed of 22 m/s, what are the vertical and horizontal components of the train's velocity? (Remember to use the law of sine and cosines for this problem)

Question

Mathematics

Scarlett Kelly

18 May, 22:31

A train goes up a hill with a 15º incline. If the train has constant speed of 22 m/s, what are the vertical and horizontal components of the train's velocity? (Remember to use the law of sine and cosines for this problem)

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Answers (1)

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Desiree Bauer · Answer 1

Sinθ=opposite side/hypotenuse

cosθ=adjacent side/hypotenuse

where both the sides are relative to theta.

in this case, 22 is your hypotenuse. theta (θ) is the angle you are examining. i've included a diagram for reference because the equations may format differently depending on which angle you choose as theta.

using my diagram:

sinθ = o/h

sin 15 = o/22

sin 15 (22) = o

o=5.69m/s

therefore the vertical component is about 5.69m/s.

cosθ=a/h

cos15 = a/22

cos15 (22) = a

a = 21.25m/s

therefore, your horizontal component is about 21.25m/s.