Solving for FBa: Why 59N and Not 50.6j + 8.43k?

  • Thread starter Thread starter goldfish9776
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the calculation of a force vector, specifically why the value of FBa is given as 59N instead of the vector sum of 50.6j + 8.43k. Participants are exploring the relationship between vector components and their scalar representations in the context of dot products.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how the components of the force vector relate to its magnitude, particularly focusing on the dot product of unit vectors and the implications of scalar results. There is an exploration of the properties of orthonormal vectors and their role in vector representation in three-dimensional space.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the nature of dot products and the characteristics of unit vectors. Some are seeking clarification on the absence of units in scalar results from dot products, while others are reinforcing the definitions and properties of the vectors involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the definitions of vector operations and the implications of orthonormality, which may influence their understanding of the problem. There is a focus on the mathematical principles that govern vector addition and dot products, with some assumptions about the nature of the vectors being discussed.

goldfish9776
Messages
310
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


why would we get 59N for FBa ? Isn't it equal to 50.6j +8.43k ?
they are j and k respectively , how could they sum up together? since dot product of j dot j is j , k dot k is k

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

  • 1234.png
    1234.png
    86.6 KB · Views: 434
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe it is the fact that when you use the dot product with two vectors, you end up with a scalar value or along that principle but not entirely certain. The calculation a.b = mag a x mag b x cos ab, so no vectors involved.
 
What is the dot product of j.j ? You have to understand why, for each such unit vector, this dot product is 1. As a hint, take the definition of dot product.
 
QuantumQuest said:
What is the dot product of j.j ? You have to understand why, for each such unit vector, this dot product is 1. As a hint, take the definition of dot product.
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?
 
goldfish9776 said:
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?

##i,j,k## are all vectors, to be more precise they are orthonormal vectors, this means they are all perpendicular to each other and their magnitude is 1. It's useful to use combinations of these vectors to find any vector ##v## in R3 (3D).

e.g.: ##v = ai + bj + ck##

Where a,b,c are real numbers.

These vectors form an orthonormal basis in R3, but that's just a fancy term to say that these vectors can be combined to find ANY vector in 3D.

So, when you ask why ##j•j## has no unit, it makes no sense. The dot product gives a scalar;

##j•j = 1##

Since the magnitude of ##j## is 1.
 
goldfish9776 said:
as j dot j = 1 , so the product of j and j is only the scalar magnitude, with no unit ?
The short answer is, Yes?

I assume you mean, no unit vector.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K