Finding the angle between two vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a force on a particle and finding the angle between two vectors, specifically a force vector and a displacement vector. The subject area includes vector mathematics and physics principles related to work and angles between vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the dot product to find the angle between the vectors. There are attempts to apply the formula involving the cosine of the angle and the magnitudes of the vectors. Some participants express confusion regarding discrepancies between their calculated angles and the expected answer from the textbook.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the accuracy of their results. There is acknowledgment of correct calculations for the work done, but uncertainty remains regarding the angle between the vectors. Some guidance on using the dot product has been provided, but no consensus has been reached on the correct angle.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific methods or formulas to be used. There is also a noted discrepancy between calculated results and textbook answers, leading to further questioning of assumptions and calculations.

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Homework Statement



A force F =( 6 i - 2 j ) N acts on a particle that under
goes a displacement D r = ( 3 i + j )m. Find (a) the work done
by the force on the particle and (b) the angle between F
and D r .



Homework Equations



I've found the work to be about 16N. My problem is finding the angle.

The equation thebook gives is cos(inv)* (Products of vectors A and B) / (A)(i^2+j^2)*(B)(i^2+j^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



I used cas(inv)*((VectorA * VectorB) / sqrt(6^2-2^2)(3^2+1^2))

Which came out to 26 degrees. The back of the book says 36.9 degrees for the answer. I don't think I'm missing anything. All your help is appreciated. Thank you.
 
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The easiest way that i can think of to find the angle between two vectors is the dot product.

Remember [itex]\vec{A}\cdot\vec{B}=|A||B|Cos(\theta)[/itex]
 
MetalManuel said:
The easiest way that i can think of to find the angle between two vectors is the dot product.

Remember [itex]\vec{A}\cdot\vec{B}=|A||B|Cos(\theta)[/itex]

That's what I used, but I still got 26.5 degrees instead of the 36.9.

I got part a correct (finding the Force on the object) so I don't think I did any previous calculations incorrectly for the numbers I'm using now.
 
The magnitude of vector A is √( 62 + (-2)2 ) = √( 36 + 4 ) .
 
Holy crap.. thank you.
 

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