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

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The discussion centers on the calculation of the force vector FBa, questioning why it equals 59N instead of the vector sum 50.6j + 8.43k. Participants clarify that the dot product of unit vectors j and k results in scalar values, specifically that j·j equals 1, indicating no unit vector is produced. They emphasize that j, k, and i are orthonormal vectors in 3D space, allowing any vector to be expressed as a combination of these. The confusion arises from misunderstanding the nature of dot products, which yield scalars rather than vectors. Ultimately, the discussion reinforces the concept that dot products do not maintain vector units.
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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

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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.
 
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