Finding distance between vectors

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Drain Brain
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance between two vectors, $\vec{A}=2.15a\rho+6.25a\phi+3az$ and $\vec{B}=0.11a\rho+3.35a\phi+2az$, in a cylindrical polar orthonormal system. It clarifies that vectors do not possess a fixed position, thus emphasizing the need to interpret the problem as finding the distance from point A to point B. The recommended approach involves converting the cylindrical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates and applying the standard distance formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Cylindrical polar coordinate system
  • Cartesian coordinate system
  • Vector mathematics
  • Distance formula in Euclidean space
NEXT STEPS
  • Convert cylindrical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates
  • Apply the Euclidean distance formula
  • Study vector operations in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the implications of vector direction and magnitude
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are dealing with vector analysis and coordinate transformations.

Drain Brain
Messages
143
Reaction score
0

Given $\vec{A}=2.15a\rho+6.25a\phi+3az$ and $\vec{B}=0.11a\rho+3.35a\phi+2az$. Determine the distance from $\vec{A}$ to $\vec{B}$.


what to do first?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This question doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I am assuming you are dealing with a cylindrical polar orthonormal system, which is fine. But there is no such thing as finding "distances between vectors", because vectors do NOT have any position! All they have is direction and magnitude. That is why they can be picked up and moved anywhere you like.
 
maybe the problem is asking about a vector from A to B.
How can I do that?
 
You can convert cylindrical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates and use the standard formula for distance.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K