How to Input a Unit Vector Between X and Y Axes in Mastering Physics

AI Thread Summary
To input a unit vector between the X and Y axes in Mastering Physics, it is essential to express it in terms of the unit vectors x_unit and y_unit. A unit vector at a 45-degree angle can be represented as (1/sqrt(2))x_unit + (1/sqrt(2))y_unit. The user initially attempted using (sqrt(0.5), sqrt(0.5), 0), which did not work, indicating the need for the correct format. It's important to ensure that the expression maintains vector properties rather than reducing to a scalar quantity. Ultimately, the user confirmed they found a solution to represent the desired unit vector correctly.
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Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to input a unit vector that lies between X and Y axes, into a Master Physics answering box.

One of the questions I'm working on required a unit vector (to point a direction) to be part of the answer. I know that the direction is between the X and Y axes so I tried using (sqrt0.5,sqrt0.5,0) as my unit vector but that didn't work out. It seems that they want the the unit vector in terms of x_unit, y_unit, z_unit (in mastering physics x_unit = x capped/x with a hat).

Any helps would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Should I try using x_unit*y_unit as my unit vector?

I know that x_unit, y_unit, z_unit represent unit vectors in x, y, z directions, respectively. I have only 2 more chances left.

Should I try this -k*(q_0)*(q_3)*y_unit*x_unit/(sqrt((d_2)^2+(d_2)^2))^2

(It's a force in an xy-plane.)
 
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gah i hate mastering physics, i had to use it for Mechanics last semester :/

Usually its expressing the vector using it's components such as
w=((x_unit)^2+(y_unit)^2+(z_unit)^2)^1/2
 
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After searching on the internet, I found that i_unit*j_unit = 0 so the answer in my previous reply is probably wrong. Anyone?
 
QuantumDefect said:
gah i hate mastering physics, i had to use it for Mechanics last semester :/

Usually its expressing the vector using it's components such as
w=((x_unit)^2+(y_unit)^2+(z_unit)^2)^1/2

So would the unit vector in an xy-planet = ((x_unit)^2+(y_unit)^2))^1/2? = (sqrt0.5, sqrt0.5, 0)?

But wouldn't that "w=((x_unit)^2+(y_unit)^2+(z_unit)^2)^1/2" be a scalar quantity? then isn't it no longer a vector and cannot act as a (unit) direction vector?

Thanks in advance
 
OK, how about if I ask this. I want to write a unit vector that lies 45 deg. from either x/y axis, interm of unit vectors x_unit and y_unit, is it possible to do that?
 
I figured it out, thanks for your help.
 
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