Can Vectors in a Box be Solved Without Given Coordinates?

  • Thread starter Thread starter EternityMech
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Box Vectors
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving three forces or vectors acting on a box, with given magnitudes of F1=260N, F2=75N, and F3=60N. The task is to calculate the resultant force F0 and the angles of the vectors relative to a corner of the box. However, the challenge arises from the absence of specified coordinates for the vectors, despite a provided diagram with measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of not having coordinates and question whether it is possible to solve the problem without them. Some suggest that the angles of the vectors can be determined based on the provided dimensions of the box, while others emphasize the need for clarity regarding the labeling of the vectors in the diagram.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem setup. Some have offered insights into how to approach the problem using the box's dimensions, while others are seeking further clarification on the original problem statement and the coordinate system depicted in the diagram.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem's requirements include finding exact angles and the resultant force, but the lack of coordinates for the vectors is a significant constraint. There is also mention of a potentially confusing left-handed coordinate system in the diagram.

EternityMech
Messages
95
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



3 Forces/vectors in a box going from a corner.

F1=260N F2=75N F3=60N

then it says calculate F0 which is F0=F1+F2+F3
problem is that the answer is not the sum of the vectors its 347.3N

its also wants the angles of the vectors to the corner

problem is no cordinates are given for any of the vectors. and there's a picture of the box with measurements but does not specify the cordinates of any of the vectors. they all seem to be half way almost.

Homework Equations



is it possible to solve, don't you need the cordinates?

picture:

Vbox.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



non
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The way you have it drawn, the *angle of the* vector on the right hand side would have to be ##θ=tan^{-1}{\frac{3}{4}}##. However, that is assuming that your interpertation of the vector splitting the side down the center is accurate.
 
Last edited:
EternityMech said:

Homework Statement



3 Forces/vectors in a box going from a corner.

F1=260N F2=75N F3=60N

then it says calculate F0 which is F0=F1+F2+F3
problem is that the answer is not the sum of the vectors its 347.3N

its also wants the angles of the vectors to the corner

problem is no coordinates are given for any of the vectors. and there's a picture of the box with measurements but does not specify the coordinates of any of the vectors. they all seem to be half way almost.

Homework Equations



is it possible to solve, don't you need the coordinates?

picture:
[ img]http://s21.postimg.org/yhypu214n/Vbox.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



non

It would help us help you, if you would give us the exact wording of the problem as it was given to you.

Your figure does not label which of the red vectors is F1, which is F2, or which is F3 .

One of those vectors is "anti-parallel" to the x-axis, i.e. it's in the negative x direction.

Another is parallel to a vector going from corner A to the opposite corner, corner B.

The remaining vector is parallel to a vector from corner A on the right face of the block, to the opposite corner of that face.

From the dimensions of the box, you should be able to construct a unit vector in the direction each of the three force vectors.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SammyS said:
It would help us help you, if you would give us the exact wording of the problem as it was given to you.

Your figure does not label which of the red vectors is F1, which is F2, or which is F3 .

One of those vectors is "anti-parallel" to the x-axis, i.e. it's in the negative x direction.

Another is parallel to a vector going from corner A to the opposite corner, corner B.

The remaining vector is parallel to a vector from corner A on the right face of the block, to the opposite corner of that face.

From the dimensions of the box, you should be able to construct a unit vector in the direction each of the three force vectors.

ya sorry changed it. this is the exact wording. no cordinates are given. and it wants exact answers it has given me the F0 and the angles precisely they are 107.6 149.7 and 66.2
 
Hello! If you have the dimensions of the box, you can find the coordinates by setting up your own coordinate system.
 
There are x, y, and z axes drawn in the box. As I look at this perspective drawing, it looks to me like it's drawn so that the coordinate system is drawn inside the box, with the origin being in the lower left-hand corner to the rear of the box. If that is the intent, then this is a left-handed coordinate system. -- That's very strange !

As SteamKing and I hinted at earlier, what is the displacement vector from corner A to corner B ? F1 is parallel to this vector.


By the way, this problem is very straight forward -- except for that left-handed system.
 
SammyS said:
There are x, y, and z axes drawn in the box. As I look at this perspective drawing, it looks to me like it's drawn so that the coordinate system is drawn inside the box, with the origin being in the lower left-hand corner to the rear of the box. If that is the intent, then this is a left-handed coordinate system. -- That's very strange !

As SteamKing and I hinted at earlier, what is the displacement vector from corner A to corner B ? F1 is parallel to this vector.


By the way, this problem is very straight forward -- except for that left-handed system.

care to explain or give tips? i mean the cordinates of the vectors F1 F2 F3 are not give only their magnitudes.
 
EternityMech said:
care to explain or give tips? i mean the cordinates of the vectors F1 F2 F3 are not give only their magnitudes.
Start by answering this question:

What is the displacement vector from corner A to corner B ?
 
SammyS said:
Start by answering this question:

What is the displacement vector from corner A to corner B ?

its not given and no cordinates are given that's the point of the assignment did you read my initial post?
 
  • #10
EternityMech said:
its not given and no cordinates are given that's the point of the assignment did you read my initial post?
In the figure that you posted in your OP, I see a box that's 12 meters wide, 4 meters high and 3 meters deep. I also has a coordinate system sketched in a corner.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
10K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K