Calculating |vect.A + Vect.B + Vect.C|

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnitude of the sum of three mutually perpendicular unit vectors A, B, and C. It is established that the magnitude |vect.A + Vect.B + Vect.C| equals the square root of the sum of the squares of the individual vectors, specifically Sqrt(A^2 + B^2 + C^2). The vectors can be represented as lying along the x, y, and z axes, denoted by i, j, and k, but they do not necessarily have to coincide with these axes. The relationship between the vectors is confirmed through the dot product and cross product definitions.

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Homework Statement


vector A,B and C are mutually perpendicular unit vectors , then |vect.A + Vect.B + Vect.C| is equal to ...?


Homework Equations


unit vector=vector/magnitude


The Attempt at a Solution


since they are unit vectors and are perpendicular..they obviously are lying along x , y and z axes denoted by i , j , k (caps)
 
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Are we sure that this is a 3 dimensional incident?

Edit: I just realized, I clicked on "Advanced Physics" . . . going to go back to the Introductory forum now.

Good luck :).
 
Three unit vectors can be mutually perpendicular, but it is not necessary for the three vectors to coincide, or lie along, the coordinate axes.

Remember, if two arbitrary vectors A and B are defined such that A dot B = 0, then A and B are perpendicular. If we form the cross product such that C = A cross B, then the vectors A, B, and C will be mutually perpendicular.

The magnitude is given by the standard Euclidean norm Sqrt(A^2 + B^2 + C^2).
 

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