Orthogonal Vectors for Sphere Construction: Find Center and Radius

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical representation of a sphere using orthogonal vectors in three-dimensional space. Specifically, the equation (r-a)·(r-b)=0 is established as the condition for orthogonality, which leads to the identification of the sphere's center and radius. The vectors A and B are utilized to demonstrate this geometric principle, paralleling the concept of inscribed angles in a semicircle. The discussion emphasizes the importance of expressing these equations in standard form for clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector mathematics and notation
  • Familiarity with the geometric properties of spheres
  • Knowledge of dot product operations in 3D space
  • Basic principles of trigonometry related to angles and circles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the sphere equation from orthogonal vectors
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of dot products in 3D
  • Explore the implications of inscribed angles in higher dimensions
  • Investigate applications of spheres in computer graphics and physics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and computer graphics developers interested in geometric constructions and vector analysis.

nameVoid
Messages
238
Reaction score
0
R <x,y,z>
A<a1,a2,a3>
B<b1,b2,b3>

Show that (r-a).(r-b)=0 represents a sphere find its center and radius

So i see that if 2 vectors are orthogonal you can create a sphere and find the radius and center but can someone better explain this problem
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is there to explain? Write out the equations and put them in standard form to identify it. Geometrically, you may recall that an angle inscribed in a semicircle is a right angle. This is the 3D analogue of that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K