Compute Angle Between Multiple 3d Vectors

In summary, when dealing with a point with n vectors of equal magnitude, the equal angle between the vectors can be calculated using the formula for a Platonic solid, which includes options of 4, 6, 8, 12, and 20 vectors. For all other numbers, an asymmetric distribution is required, such as with the Archimedean solids.
  • #1
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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?
 
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  • #2
I can see "equal angles" up to the 4 vector case. Beyond that, opposing 180 degree angles begin to creep in.
 
  • #3
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.
 

FAQ: Compute Angle Between Multiple 3d Vectors

"What is the formula for computing the angle between multiple 3d vectors?"

The formula for computing the angle between two 3d vectors is:

θ = cos^-1 ( (a · b) / (|a| * |b|) )

where θ is the angle between the two vectors, a and b are the two 3d vectors, and |a| and |b| are the magnitudes of the vectors.

"How many 3d vectors can be used to compute the angle between them?"

The angle between any number of 3d vectors can be computed using the same formula mentioned above. However, the formula only calculates the angle between two vectors at a time. Therefore, if there are n number of vectors, the angle between each pair of vectors will need to be calculated and then combined to find the overall angle between all the vectors.

"Are there any special cases to consider when computing the angle between multiple 3d vectors?"

Yes, there are a few special cases to consider when computing the angle between multiple 3d vectors. One case is when any of the vectors have a magnitude of 0, as the formula will result in an undefined value. Another case is when two or more vectors are parallel, as the formula will result in an angle of 0 degrees. Lastly, when two or more vectors are perpendicular, the formula will result in an angle of 90 degrees.

"Can the angle between 3d vectors be negative?"

Yes, the angle between 3d vectors can be negative. This occurs when the angle between two vectors is greater than 180 degrees, and the formula results in a negative value. However, it is more common to use the absolute value of the angle to represent the direction of the angle in 3d space.

"How can the angle between 3d vectors be used in scientific applications?"

The angle between 3d vectors is used in various scientific applications, such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It can be used to calculate the direction and orientation of objects in 3d space, determine the angle of rotation between two objects, and even in 3d modeling and animation. It is a fundamental concept in vector mathematics and is applicable in many fields of science and engineering.

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