Finding the work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions

It's a strange problem statement.In summary, the work done by a force in the direction 2i - 5j + k in moving a particle from (3, 3, 1) to (1, 2, 4) is positive 4.
  • #1
dan38
59
0

Homework Statement


Find the work done by a force acting in the direction 2i - 5j + k in moving a particle from (3, 3, 1) to (1, 2, 4).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I just found the displacement vector (2,1,-3) and did the dot product with the force vector.
So my answer as an integer, was negative 4.
Does that sound correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
dan38 said:

Homework Statement


Find the work done by a force acting in the direction 2i - 5j + k in moving a particle from (3, 3, 1) to (1, 2, 4).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I just found the displacement vector (2,1,-3) and did the dot product with the force vector.
So my answer as an integer, was negative 4.
Does that sound correct?

The question is somewhat imprecise; the force doesn't just act in that vector direction, it is given by that vector. Force has direction and magnitude - if they only meant that vector to represent the direction, they need to state the magnitude separately.

You got a negative answer because you took the wrong direction for the displacement vector. What is displacement? Is it final minus initial position or vice versa?
 
  • #3
oh yeah lol, its final minus initial
so my answer should be positive 4 right?
 
  • #4
dan38 said:
oh yeah lol, its final minus initial
so my answer should be positive 4 right?

Yes. Units would be nice, but if you weren't given any for the force and distance, what can you do?
 

Related to Finding the work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions

What is work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions?

Work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions is a way of calculating the amount of energy needed to move an object in a 3-dimensional space. This is done by using vectors to represent the magnitude and direction of the applied force.

How do you calculate the work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions?

To calculate the work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions, you would need to multiply the magnitude of the force by the displacement of the object in the direction of the force. This can be represented mathematically as W = F * d * cos(theta), where F is the force, d is the displacement, and theta is the angle between the force and the displacement vectors.

What units are used to measure work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions?

The units used to measure work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions are joules (J). This is the same unit used to measure work done in standard physics problems.

Can work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions be negative?

Yes, work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions can be negative. This indicates that the applied force and the displacement are in opposite directions, resulting in a negative value for work.

What are some real-life applications of calculating work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions?

Calculating work done using force vectors in 3 dimensions can be used in various fields such as engineering, mechanics, and physics. Some real-life applications include designing structures, analyzing the movement of objects in space, and calculating the energy required for lifting objects in 3-dimensional space.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
607
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
872
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
19K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
96
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top