Resultant force projected along a line

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the resultant force at point D and its projection along line AD. The resultant force is initially expressed as FR = (-30i - 40k) with a magnitude of 50N, but there are concerns about sign errors in the unit vector UAD. Participants suggest using exact calculations and proper notation for clarity, emphasizing the importance of directionality in vector calculations. The correct unit vector UAD is derived as (1/√6)(2i + j - k). The conversation highlights the need for careful attention to vector signs and components in physics problems.
U1021981
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



(i) Find the resultant force acting at point D and write it in Cartesian form. (Note that CD is parallel to the y-axis, the 40N force acts parallel to the z-axis and the 30N force is parallel to the x-axis.)

(ii) Find the magnitude of the projected component of the resultant force acting along the line AD.

Image of problem is attached.

Homework Equations



(i) Unsure about calculating resultant force
(ii) Find Unit vector of UAD and find the dot product of UAD and FR from (i)

The Attempt at a Solution



(i) Unsure if resultant force at point D is simply F1= (-30i) and F2= (-40k) so FR= (-30i - 40k) (Magnitude 50N) ?

(ii) UAD = (-0.2/0.245)i + (-0.1/0.245)j + (0.1/0.245)k

Then F.UAD = (Fi)(-0.2/0.245) + (Fj)(-0.1/0.245) + (Fk)(0.1/0.245)

Thanks for your help,

Tim
 

Attachments

  • Q3.36.jpg
    Q3.36.jpg
    8.4 KB · Views: 691
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
U1021981 said:
(i) Unsure if resultant force at point D is simply F1= (-30i) and F2= (-40k) so FR= (-30i - 40k) (Magnitude 50N) ?

(ii) UAD = (-0.2/0.245)i + (-0.1/0.245)j + (0.1/0.245)k

Then F.UAD = (Fi)(-0.2/0.245) + (Fj)(-0.1/0.245) + (Fk)(0.1/0.245)

You have a sign error in your unit vector UAD, and I would recommend you include the units (Newtons in this case) in your expression for force and use exact numbers in your calculations. I get \frac{1}{\sqrt{6}}(2\mathbf{i}+\mathbf{j}-\mathbf{k}) for UAD.
 
You have a sign error in your unit vector UAD, and I would recommend you include the units (Newtons in this case) in your expression for force and use exact numbers in your calculations. I get (1/√6)(2i+j−k) for UAD.

How did you calculate this?

I have used u = F(Coord)/F(magnitude) = (Fx/F)i + (Fy/F)j + (Fz/F)k

F (aka RDA) = (XA-XD)+(YA-YD)+(ZA-ZD)
= (0-0.2)+(0-0.1)+(0-(-0.1))
= -0.2i - 0.1j + 0.1k
magnitude = √0.06

Which is how I have got:

UDA = (-0.2/0.245)i + (-0.1/0.245)j + (0.1/0.245)k


Could you please outline the approach/steps that you believe I should take to solve the problem so I can get a better understanding.

Thanks for your reply,

Tim
 
U1021981 said:
How did you calculate this?

I have used u = F(Coord)/F(magnitude) = (Fx/F)i + (Fy/F)j + (Fz/F)k

F (aka RDA) = (XA-XD)+(YA-YD)+(ZA-ZD)
= (0-0.2)+(0-0.1)+(0-(-0.1))
= -0.2i - 0.1j + 0.1k
magnitude = √0.06

Which is how I have got:

UDA = (-0.2/0.245)i + (-0.1/0.245)j + (0.1/0.245)kCould you please outline the approach/steps that you believe I should take to solve the problem so I can get a better understanding.

Thanks for your reply,

Tim

Just on top of that, you have the same answers 2/√6 = .2/√.06

except in the drawing it shows that the pipe is +ve 0.2m (where you have -0.2m) and that if the line is in fact A to D then does it not share this property?
 
U1021981 said:
How did you calculate this?

I have used u = F(Coord)/F(magnitude) = (Fx/F)i + (Fy/F)j + (Fz/F)k

F (aka RDA) = (XA-XD)+(YA-YD)+(ZA-ZD)
= (0-0.2)+(0-0.1)+(0-(-0.1))
= -0.2i - 0.1j + 0.1k
magnitude = √0.06

Notice first that \sqrt{0.06} = \frac{1}{10}\sqrt{6}. Next, consider that UAD usually means "the unit vector from A to D". By using RDA as F, instead of RAD, you've calulated the opposite and hence have a sign error.
 
Back
Top