Problems with Power only using velocity and force

[Psip]

Homework Statement

An object moving with a velocity whose components are [4m/s,-1m/s,3m/s] is acted on by a force whose components are [-5N,0,+5N]. What is the power of the energy transfer involved in this interaction?

Homework Equations

Power=F*v

The Attempt at a Solution

4m/s*-5N= -20W
-1m/s*0=0W
23m/s*5N=15W

(20²+15²+0²)sqrt=Magnitude = 25W which could be the answer but I'm not sure. I just don't know how negative velocity affects power because P=Fv so if F is 5N and v=-3m/s then it would seem like -15W is the answer but I am not sure. I also don't really have experience with 3-component vectors.

 

[andrewkirk]

It's OK up to here.

(20^2+15^2+0^2)sqrt=Magnitude = 25W

This treats the three amounts you have calculated as vectors, but they are not. Power is not a vector. So you don't square and add to get a magnitude. You just add.

Power is the scalar product (dot product) of force and velocity.

 

[Psip]

Thank you for your reply, that does make sense that Power isn't applied in a direction. So the answer is -5W