Body diagonals -- unit vector notation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the calculation of body diagonals in a three-dimensional space using unit vector notation. Participants are examining the coordinates of vertices and the implications of zero values in vector components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the placement of vertices and the correctness of zero values in vector components. There is an exploration of the endpoints of the diagonal and the calculation of the vector difference.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the vector calculations and questioning the validity of certain values. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to express the endpoints as vectors and perform the subtraction correctly.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the coordinates of the vertices and the implications of writing zero in the vector components. Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem without a clear resolution yet.

Iron_Man_123
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Member warned to complete the template and show details of the effort made

Homework Statement



I'm fully convinced that the zero values make sense, yet they are wrong, can somebody please explain why is that the case

4.png


Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


Attempt in the image above
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(a,0,0) is the bottom, left and front vertex in the diagram, right? Where is the other end of the diagonal from there?
 
haruspex said:
(a,0,0) is the bottom, left and front vertex in the diagram, right? Where is the other end of the diagonal from there?

It's at the top right corner of the image, which has 0 x-coordinate, am i mistaken?
 
Iron_Man_123 said:
It's at the top right corner of the image, which has 0 x-coordinate, am i mistaken?
That's right. The vector along that diagonal is the difference between the endpoints, as vectors.
 
haruspex said:
That's right. The vector along that diagonal is the difference between the endpoints, as vectors.

However, I wrote zero in the i component in the answer space to part (b), does that mean the computer system is wrong and I am right?
 
Iron_Man_123 said:
However, I wrote zero in the i component in the answer space to part (b), does that mean the computer system is wrong and I am right?
No, zero is wrong. Write the vector expressions for the two endpoints of the diagonal and subtract the bottom left front one from the top right back one. No zeroes.
 

Similar threads

Writing a vector parallel and normal to a unit vector ##\hat n##
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
What's the use of unit vectors?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Syntax Error? x and y components of E field in unit vector form
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Find Resultant Displacement Vector in Unit Vector Notation
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Cylindrical coordinates: unit vectors and time derivatives
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Understanding the Unit Vector: A Conceptual Explanation
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Finding z component of a unit vector
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Adding Vectors Using the Component Method
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
12K
Finding the net gravitational force with Vector Notation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics: Multiplying Unit vectors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K