Calculating angle between two vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle between two vectors, a = 1.0 ihat + 5.0 jhat + 1.0 khat and b = 6.0 ihat + 3.0 jhat + 4.0 khat, using the scalar product formula a·b = ab cos θ. The scalar product is expressed as a·b = axbx + ayby + azbz, which leads to the equation for θ involving the arccos function and the lengths of the vectors. The solution requires applying Pythagoras' theorem to find the magnitudes of the vectors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector notation and components
  • Familiarity with the scalar product (dot product) of vectors
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically arccos
  • Basic application of Pythagorean theorem in three dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the magnitudes of vectors a and b using the formula √(ax² + ay² + az²)
  • Apply the scalar product formula to find a·b for the given vectors
  • Use the arccos function to determine the angle θ between the vectors
  • Explore vector projections and their applications in physics
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Students studying physics or mathematics, particularly those focusing on vector analysis and trigonometry, as well as educators seeking to explain vector relationships in three-dimensional space.

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Homework Statement



Use the definition of scalar product, a·b = ab cos θ, and the fact that a·b = axbx + ayby + azbz to calculate the angle between the two vectors given by a = 1.0 ihat + 5.0 jhat + 1.0 khat and b = 6.0 ihat + 3.0 jhat + 4.0 khat.


Homework Equations



a·b = ab cos θ

The Attempt at a Solution



i really don't have any clue were to start
 
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jpd5184 said:

Homework Statement



Use the definition of scalar product, a·b = ab cos θ, and the fact that a·b = axbx + ayby + azbz to calculate the angle between the two vectors given by a = 1.0 ihat + 5.0 jhat + 1.0 khat and b = 6.0 ihat + 3.0 jhat + 4.0 khat.


Homework Equations



a·b = ab cos θ

The Attempt at a Solution



i really don't have any clue were to start
Write out the expression for [itex]\theta[/itex] in terms of the length of a x length of b and [itex]a_xb_x + a_yb_y + a_zb_z[/itex] (hint: you need the arccos function and pythagoras' theorem).

AM
 

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