Analyzing an Electron's Velocity Vector Problem

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The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity vector of an electron given its position function r=3.00t i - 5.00t² j + 3.00 k. The velocity v(t) is derived as 3.00 i - 10.0t j + 0.00 k. At t=6.00 seconds, the velocity is 3.00 i - 60.0 j + 0.00 k. The magnitude of the velocity at this time is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, and the angle with respect to the positive x-axis is determined using the dot product formula.

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One part of this problem has me confused...id appreciate any guidance. I have part (a) and (b) but (c) and (d) are TOTALLY losing me. i don't even know where to begin. THANKS :smile:

"An electron's position is given by r=3.00t i - 5.00t^2 j + 3.00 k, with t in seconds and r in meters"

(a) In unit-vector notation, what is the electron's velocity v(t)?
My answer: 3.00 i - 10.0t j+ 0.00 k

(b) What is v in unit-vector notation at t=6.00s?
My answer: 3.00 i - 60.0 j+ 0.00 k

(c) What is the magnitude of v at t = 6.00 s? :eek:

(d) What angle does v make with the positive direction of the x-axis at t = 6.00 s? :eek:

Thank you.
 
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To find the magnitude of a vector just square each component, add them up and find the square root.

You can find the angle between two vectors using the "dot product:"

[tex]\vec A \cdot \vec B = A B \cos \phi[/tex]

where A and B are the magnitudes of the vectors and [itex]\phi[/itex] is the angle between them.
 
thanks... solved it :-)
 

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