Solving Vector Coordinates Problem for Circular Movement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector coordinates in a two-dimensional space, specifically concerning a circle centered at the origin and a point on its circumference. The original poster presents a problem involving the expression of unit vectors in terms of the angle θ with respect to the x-axis, and the relationship between two perpendicular unit vectors originating from the same point.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the expressions for the unit vectors ir and it, questioning the correctness of their components and the relationship between them. There is a focus on verifying the perpendicularity of the vectors through geometric interpretation and the dot product.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing suggestions for drawing diagrams and testing vector relationships. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct expressions for the unit vectors, and some participants have made revisions based on feedback. The discussion regarding the traffic signal problem has also been introduced, seeking further clarification and assistance.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express urgency in resolving the traffic signal problem, indicating a need for additional information and clarification on the timing and displacement aspects of the scenario. The original poster has attempted to provide a visual aid through an attachment, which is not visible in the forum.

brad sue
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hi ,
I have a problem about vector coordinates. this is the problem.

We have a 2-dimension space [x(unit vector i) and y( unit vector j)].

I have a circle of center 0 (0,0) and a point P such that OP = r.

Vector OP and the x-axis have an angle of θ .

there is a unit vector ir , with the same direction with OP( but starting at P.)

Another unit vector it starts at P , but it is perpendicular to vector ir. ( it 's direction is toward north-west)

Express vector ir as a combination of unit vectors i and j.

Express vector it as a combination of unit vectors i and j.

I found that ir = cos(θ ) i + sin(θ ) j

how to find it ? when I try to compute for it, I found the same as ir, but I am not sure.

Please help

Thank you
 
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Since it is perpendicular to ir, they cannot have the same components. Draw a careful diagram. (I suspect you are mixing up your sines and cosines.)
 
Doc Al said:
Since it is perpendicular to ir, they cannot have the same components. Draw a careful diagram. (I suspect you are mixing up your sines and cosines.)

OK, I follow your suggestion and now I find:

it= sin(θ )i +cos(θ ) j

I do not know if you did the problem but I believe it is ok now
 
It's almost right. To see what's wrong, test if these vectors are perpendicular.
 
Doc Al said:
Since it is perpendicular to ir, they cannot have the same components. Draw a careful diagram. (I suspect you are mixing up your sines and cosines.)

Doc please I need help for this problem. Someone reply me but I need more information to complete it. It is urgent !

This is a problem I have . But because I cannot include the graph, I try to do via Microsoft Word. I put it as an attachment. I hope that you will understand it.

This is the problem:

Traffic signals are placed along a straight road at positions x = 0 m, x = 600 m, and x = 1200 m (see graph in attachment)). The time intervals during which the signals are green are shown by the thick lines ( in red) in the figure.

(a) Draw the displacement-versus-time curves (fastest and slowest) for a car that passes through all the lights when the car moves with constant speed.

(b) Draw a similar set of lines for a car traveling in the opposite direction.

(c) Assuming that the lights are timed such that a car passes through all lights in the middle of the time interval, what is the speed for which the lights are timed?

(d) What is the fastest constant speed of a car that makes it through all the signals, assuming it arrives at the first light at the optimal moment?

For info.:
The grah is a 2 dimension space with time(s) on horizontal and the position x(m) in vertical.
The interval are put in red and I mentioned the time interval at the end of each line.Please help me with that . I do not understand it

Thank you very much.

Brad
 

Attachments

Did you read Doc Al's last post:
"It's almost right. To see what's wrong, test if these vectors are perpendicular."

You had said " ir = cos(θ ) i + sin(θ ) j" and "it= sin(θ)i+ cos(θ)j"

Remember that the dot product of two perpendicular vectors is 0. Here the dot product would be cos(θ)sin(θ)+sin(θ)cos(θ).
Do you see what is wrong? Now look at your picture again.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Did you read Doc Al's last post:
"It's almost right. To see what's wrong, test if these vectors are perpendicular."

You had said " ir = cos(θ ) i + sin(θ ) j" and "it= sin(θ)i+ cos(θ)j"

Remember that the dot product of two perpendicular vectors is 0. Here the dot product would be cos(θ)sin(θ)+sin(θ)cos(θ).
Do you see what is wrong? Now look at your picture again.

I got it
it =-sin(θ)i+ cos(θ)j

Hallsofivy,
Please can take a look at the problem ( about the car and the 3 lights) just above this quote. I do not know if Doc will be available today.

Please give some suggestions.


Thanks
 

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