Question

A velocity vector (5m/s) is making and angle of 60 degrees with X axis has a horizonal component of magnitude ___

(a) 2.5

(b) 5.5

(c) 5

(d) 10/√3

This question was posed to me in a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Motion in a Plane topic in chapter Motion in a Plane of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) 2.5

Easy explanation: The horizontal component of any vector with magnitude a is a cos θ. Here θ = 60. cos θ = ½. Hence the answer is 5/2 = 2.5 m/s.