Finding the Sin of an Angle Between Two Vectors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the sine relationship between two vectors that subtend an angle, γ, highlighting the ambiguity present when only the cosine relationship is known. The cosine relationship is expressed as cosγ = cosθ1 cosθ2 + sinθ1 sinθ2 cos(φ1 - φ2). The user seeks clarification on the sine relationship to resolve the ambiguity regarding the positioning of vector A relative to vector B. Additionally, there is a request for clear definitions of the angles involved and their relationships. Understanding these relationships is essential for accurately determining the angle between the vectors.
touqra
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For two arbitrary vectors, subtending an angle, \gamma, 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.

cos\gamma = cos\theta_1 cos\theta_2 + sin\theta_1 sin\theta_2 cos( \phi_1 - \phi_2 )

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, \gamma, 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.

cos\gamma = cos\theta_1 cos\theta_2 + sin\theta_1 sin\theta_2 cos( \phi_1 - \phi_2 )

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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