Solving for FBa: Why 59N and Not 50.6j + 8.43k?

  • Thread starter goldfish9776
  • Start date
In summary: Since the dot product of two unit vectors is the cosine of the angle between them, then the dot product of the same vector will always be 1, because the angle between them is 0. In summary, the dot product of two vectors results in a scalar value, and when the vectors are unit vectors, the dot product is equal to the cosine of the angle between them, which is always 1 when the vectors are the same.
  • #1
goldfish9776
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1

Homework Statement


why would we get 59N for FBa ? Isn't it equal to 50.6j +8.43k ?
they are j and k respectively , how could they sum up together? since dot product of j dot j is j , k dot k is k

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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  • #2
I believe it is the fact that when you use the dot product with two vectors, you end up with a scalar value or along that principle but not entirely certain. The calculation a.b = mag a x mag b x cos ab, so no vectors involved.
 
  • #3
What is the dot product of j.j ? You have to understand why, for each such unit vector, this dot product is 1. As a hint, take the definition of dot product.
 
  • #4
QuantumQuest said:
What is the dot product of j.j ? You have to understand why, for each such unit vector, this dot product is 1. As a hint, take the definition of dot product.
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?
 
  • #5
goldfish9776 said:
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?

##i,j,k## are all vectors, to be more precise they are orthonormal vectors, this means they are all perpendicular to each other and their magnitude is 1. It's useful to use combinations of these vectors to find any vector ##v## in R3 (3D).

e.g.: ##v = ai + bj + ck##

Where a,b,c are real numbers.

These vectors form an orthonormal basis in R3, but that's just a fancy term to say that these vectors can be combined to find ANY vector in 3D.

So, when you ask why ##j•j## has no unit, it makes no sense. The dot product gives a scalar;

##j•j = 1##

Since the magnitude of ##j## is 1.
 
  • #6
goldfish9776 said:
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?
The short answer is, Yes?

I assume you mean, no unit vector.
 

1. What is FBa and why is it important to solve for it?

FBa stands for force in the b-direction and is a vector quantity that represents the magnitude and direction of a force. It is important to solve for FBa in order to accurately calculate the net force acting on an object.

2. Why is 59N used instead of 50.6j + 8.43k in the calculation for FBa?

59N is the magnitude of the force in the b-direction, while 50.6j + 8.43k represents the components of the force in the x and y directions respectively. In order to find the total force in the b-direction, these components must be added together, resulting in 59N.

3. How do you determine the direction of FBa?

The direction of FBa is determined by the direction of the force vector. In this case, the force is acting in the b-direction which is typically represented by a perpendicular line to the x and y axes.

4. What units are used for FBa?

FBa is typically measured in newtons (N), which is the standard unit for force in the International System of Units (SI).

5. Can FBa be negative?

Yes, FBa can be negative if the force is acting in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction. In this case, it would indicate that the force is acting in the negative b-direction.

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