Original direction of force versus vector components

In summary, when dealing with mechanical forces, we can divide them into components using basis vectors for easier analysis. However, we must still consider the entire force and all of its components to arrive at the correct physics. This division of forces into components is justified by empirical observations and is based on the mathematics of vectors. The concept of vectors allows us to examine forces individually and still determine the net force. The definition of a vector may vary between a scientist and a mathematician, but it ultimately allows us to accurately model and understand forces.
  • #1
StruglingwithPhysics
2
0
What happens to a mechanical force's real original direction i.e. when we divide it into components of basis vectors, which in turn change as per problem at hand (like gravity components at inclined plane ), how we arrive at correct physics by taking two/three arbitrary directions of our choice and forgetting about all other directions and of-course the original direction?

Basically does the object not feel the force in the original direction in which the force was applied to it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
StruglingwithPhysics said:
Basically does the object not feel the force in the original direction in which the force was applied to it?
Dividing a force into components just makes things easier to analyze. You still need to consider the entire force, thus all of the components. (In some cases, you know that certain components are 'canceled out' by other forces. That makes things easier in determining the net force.)
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
Dividing a force into components just makes things easier to analyze. You still need to consider the entire force, thus all of the components. (In some cases, you know that certain components are 'canceled out' by other forces. That makes things easier in determining the net force.)

I am comfortable within purview of pure Mathematics that we can divide components of vectors into basis vectors and also I can understand the theorem that any vector is uniquely represented as linear combination of basis vectors. Those Basis vectors we are free to choose, but once we choose, it has unique components in those basis vectors directions.

What I am struggling to understand is physical justification apart from ease of analysis.

Is it empirical observations that we can divide force into components or is there a deeper Mathematics involved that I can further study...?
 
  • #4
StruglingwithPhysics said:
What I am struggling to understand is physical justification apart from ease of analysis.

Is it empirical observations that we can divide force into components or is there a deeper Mathematics involved that I can further study...?

Are you asking how we know "force" is a vector?
[appears to satisfy the parallelogram rule of addition, etc...]
 
  • #5
StruglingwithPhysics said:
Is it empirical observations that we can divide force into components or is there a deeper Mathematics involved that I can further study...?
The mathematics is simply that of vectors. If, as robphy suspects (and I agree), you are asking how do we know that force is a vector, then that's where empirical experience comes in. It works.
 
  • #6
Everyday intuitive experience is enough. If you compare a single resultant force with its components you'll see two equivalent force systems. Both viewpoints are interchangeable as far as net practical effect.
 
  • #7
Newton's Principia, Book I, Laws of Motion, Third Law, Corollary I is where he proves the vector sum. He justifies it by his second law, which states: "The alteration of motion is ever proportional to the motive force impressed; and is made in the direction of the right line in which that force is impressed." The idea is that since the action of the force is rectilinear, the action of two forces simultaneously will give the same result as if the forces acted consecutively, which after all is what vector addition amounts to (think of the "tip to tail" method of vector addition). The mere fact that they are acting at the same time does not affect the motion, since they are rectilinear and therefore do not interfere with each other. This gives us the freedom to examine them one at a time, i.e. to decompose the net force into vectors.
 
  • #8
The term vector can correctly be defined several ways. A vector can be thought of as an imaginary object used, for example, to mathematically model a force. Additionally, a scientist's definition (must transform under a proper rotation) may be more restrictive than a mathematician's.
 

1. What is the difference between original direction of force and vector components?

The original direction of force refers to the direction in which a force is applied without considering its components. Vector components, on the other hand, refer to the individual forces acting in different directions that together make up the original direction of force.

2. How are the original direction of force and vector components related?

The original direction of force and vector components are related through vector addition. The vector components can be added together to find the resultant force, which will have the same direction as the original direction of force.

3. Can the original direction of force and vector components ever be different?

Yes, the original direction of force and vector components can be different if the forces acting in different directions are not equal in magnitude. In this case, the resultant force will have a different direction than the original direction of force.

4. How do you calculate the original direction of force from the vector components?

To calculate the original direction of force from the vector components, you can use trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent. The angle between the resultant force and one of the vector components can be found using these functions, and this angle will give you the direction of the original force.

5. Why is it important to understand the original direction of force and vector components in physics?

Understanding the original direction of force and vector components is crucial in physics as it helps in accurately predicting the motion of objects. The resultant force, which is calculated by adding the vector components, determines the acceleration of an object. By understanding these concepts, we can better understand the forces acting on an object and how they influence its motion.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
790
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
629
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Calculus
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Back
Top