How to Find the Projection of a Force Along the Y-Axis in 3D?

AI Thread Summary
To find the projection of a force along the y-axis in 3D, the force vector is first calculated as F = -300i + 300j + 424.2k. The unit vector along the y-axis is identified as j. The projection is determined using the dot product of the force vector and the unit vector, which results in the y component of the force vector being 300N. The discussion confirms that the approach taken is correct, and the calculation of the projection is validated. The final answer for the projection of the force along the y-axis is indeed 300N.
pearss
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Homework Statement


I have a force in three dimensions such that:
F=600N
Alpha(angle with x axis) = 120
Beta(angle with y axis) = 60
Omega(angle with z axis) = 45

I'm to find the projection of F along the y axis.

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the force vector for this force by

F=F(cos120i+cos60j+cos45k)
F=600N(-.5i+.5j+.707k)
F= -300i+300j+424.2k

now i know to use a dot product between the force vector and the unit vector of the vector that I'm trying to find a projection onto...but since the vector is the y-axis I'm unsure about what to do from here.

I thought that u_OY = oy/magnitude oy

0i+j+0k / 1 = j

and a dot product between this and my force vector would just give me the y component of that force vector...300.

but I'm pretty sure this is wrong. does anybody have any hints? Thanks much
 
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pearss: Your answer is correct. Nice work.
 
Thanks for the comfirmation nvn
 
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