I with physics webassign dealing with vectors and force with spring.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on two physics problems involving vectors and spring force calculations. For the first problem, participants clarify that to find the angle between two vectors, the dot product formula should be used, rather than simply multiplying the components. In the second problem, the correct approach to determine the spring constant involves using the maximum acceleration and the distance calculated from the initial speed, ensuring proper squaring of values. A participant recalculates the angle and confirms the use of the dot product, while also addressing the need to square the acceleration in the spring constant formula. The conversation emphasizes the importance of applying the correct physics principles and formulas to solve these problems accurately.
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Homework Statement


1) Calculate the angle between the following vectors.
A = 6.1 i + 4.6 j + 6.3 k and B = 8.2 i + 2.3 j - 7.0 k.

2) What should be the spring constant k of a spring designed to bring a 1320 kg car to rest from a speed of 116 km/h so that the occupants undergo a maximum acceleration of 5.0 g?


Homework Equations



v^2=vo^2+2a(x-xo)
F=-kx=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



1) For this one I don't know how to approach this so I found the force by multiplying it (6.1*8.2)i + (4.6*2.3)j+(6.3*-7.0)k = 16.5 N and I think I'm approaching this wrong.

2) I converted the speed 116 km/h = 31 m/s and 5.0g=49.05 m/s^2.
than used v^2=vo^2+2a(x-xo) to find the distance. x=(v^2-vo^2)/2a
x=31^2/(2*49.05)=9.7961. Next, used F=-kx=ma so k=ma/x, which is 1320*49.05/9.7961=6609.36 N/m and I don't know why this isn't working.
 
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1) Would multiplying two vectors necessarily result in a force? This problem can be assigned to any two vectors, regardless of what they represent - i'd suppose that you may have access to a formula in your notes that relates the angle between vectors and the components you have at your disposal. (Well, related to operations you perform on those components: the dot product)

For the second one, the equation involves the square initial and final velocities - you seem to have forgotten to square the 49ms^-2.
 
1) I did 16.5/sqrt((6.1^2+4.6^2+6.3^2)(8.2^2+2.3^2+(-7^2))=712.93
arccos(16.5/712.93)= 83.67 is that right??
2) 49.05 is the acceleration and the final velocity will be 0 so i squared the initial velocity which is 31
 
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