Compute Angle Between Multiple 3d Vectors

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angles between multiple 3D vectors that originate from a single point and cancel each other out in magnitude. For two vectors, the angle is 180 degrees, while for six vectors, the angle is 90 degrees. The conversation highlights that equal angles can be determined for up to four vectors, but beyond that, symmetry is lost in three dimensions. The only cases where full symmetry is maintained are when the vectors correspond to the vertices or faces of Platonic solids, specifically the tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3D vector mathematics
  • Familiarity with Platonic solids and their properties
  • Knowledge of Archimedean solids and their symmetry
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Platonic solids and their corresponding angles
  • Learn about Archimedean solids and their geometric configurations
  • Explore vector mathematics in higher dimensions
  • Study the application of symmetry in geometric structures
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, computer graphics developers, and anyone interested in geometric calculations involving vectors in three-dimensional space.

Vexom
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Imagine a point with n vectors (all with equal magnitude) coming out from that point that equally cancel each other out in magnitude. How would you calculate the equal angle between n vectors?

For example: 2 vectors (equal magnitudes) coming from one point that cancel each others magnitude would have 180 degrees between the vectors, 6 vectors (equal magnitudes) would have 90 degrees between all vectors, etc.

Is there an equation for this type of problem?
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I can see "equal angles" up to the 4 vector case. Beyond that, opposing 180 degree angles begin to creep in.
 
In general, in 3 or more dimensions you cannot have a full symmetry between all vectors. This is only possible if your vectors correspond to the vertices or faces of a Platonic solid. In 3 dimensions, that gives you 4, 6, 8, 12 and 20 as options. They have well-known formulas for all angles.
For all other numbers, you'll need an asymmetric distribution. The Archimedean solids keep some symmetry, but you'll still get different angles with them.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K