Finding the Sin of an Angle Between Two Vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the sine relationship for the angle \(\gamma\) between two arbitrary vectors, given the cosine relationship. The cosine formula provided is: cos\(\gamma = \cos\theta_1 \cos\theta_2 + \sin\theta_1 \sin\theta_2 \cos(\phi_1 - \phi_2)\). The ambiguity arises from the cosine relationship alone, as it does not specify whether vector A is above or below vector B. A clear understanding of the angles involved and their relationships is essential for resolving this ambiguity.

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For two arbitrary vectors, subtending an angle, [tex]\gamma[/tex], I know the cos relationship, but what's the sin relationship ? I ask because there is an ambiguity by only knowing the cosine form, since vector A can be either above or below vector B.

[tex]cos\gamma = cos\theta_1 cos\theta_2 + sin\theta_1 sin\theta_2 cos( \phi_1 - \phi_2 )[/tex]

I don't know what's the correct term I should type in for search engine.
 
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touqra said:
For two arbitrary vectors, subtending an angle, [tex]\gamma[/tex], I know the cos relationship, but what's the sin relationship ? I ask because there is an ambiguity by only knowing the cosine form, since vector A can be either above or below vector B.

[tex]cos\gamma = cos\theta_1 cos\theta_2 + sin\theta_1 sin\theta_2 cos( \phi_1 - \phi_2 )[/tex]

I don't know what's the correct term I should type in for search engine.
It would clarify things if you could state what all these angles are and their relationships.
 

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