Calculate the angle between the displacement vector and the force vector

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the angle between a force vector and a displacement vector in a physics context. The force is given as F = 8i - 3j N and the displacement as Δr = 2i + j m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the angle using the dot product and the norms of the vectors. There are variations in the results obtained, leading to questions about the conditions used and potential discrepancies in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Multiple participants have shared their calculations, noting different results for the angle. Some have suggested checking the conditions of the problem and the format required by any checking system, indicating a productive exploration of the issue.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential issues with rounding and the format of the answer (degrees vs. radians), as well as the possibility of errors in the online checking system.

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Homework Statement



A force F = 8i-3i N acts on a particle that undergoes a displacement Δr = 2i + j m.
(b) What is the angle between F and Δr? (state your answer to three significant figures)

Homework Equations



Angle = cos-1 (A.B/ AB)

The Attempt at a Solution



W=13.1 J
AB= 8.5*2.23= 19
cos-1 (13.1/19)= 46.4
 
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I will assume that the force is F=8\hat{i}-3\hat{j}

the dot product between F and delta-r:
(8,-3)\cdot (2,1) = 8\cdot 2 + (-3)\cdot 1 = 13
the norm of F:
||F||=\sqrt{8^2 +3^2}
norm of delta-r :
||\Delta r|| =\sqrt{1^2+2^2}
I got 47.12 degrees but it seems you have used different conditions :/
 
I got 47.121 another time when I did not round, but even that gave me a wrong answer L: I am not sure what's wrong
 
If you are sending it to some kind of online checking system:
a. Check to see if they want it in radians.
b. Check if all of the starting conditions are correct.
c. Take into consideration that they make mistakes too.
 

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