Solving for Two Vector Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two vector-related questions involving the representation and manipulation of vectors in component form. The original poster seeks assistance in expressing vector relationships and finding a third vector that satisfies given conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the component form of vectors and the interpretation of angles in relation to axes. There is an exploration of the correctness of the original poster's calculations and the notation used for angles.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's attempts, noting areas of correctness and incompleteness. There is an ongoing examination of the notation and assumptions regarding angle measurements, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the use of specific textbooks and conventions for vector notation, indicating a potential variance in understanding based on different educational resources. There is also a reference to the original poster's self-study efforts and the challenges faced without direct teacher guidance.

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Homework Statement



I have two questions.

1. For the three vectors shown in this diagram: http://gyazo.com/9a23c78c8a52db6dde1ca52aee9cd2f0

The relationship ##\vec{A} + \vec{B} + \vec{C} = 1\hat{j}## holds. Write ##\vec{B}## in component form and then write ##\vec{B}## as a magnitude and direction.

2. The following figure shows two vectors ##\vec{A}## and ##\vec{B}##: http://gyazo.com/750754b5c6589491df5f22788e9b3281

Find a vector ##\vec{C}## such that ##\vec{A} + \vec{B} + \vec{C} = 0## and use component form to do so.

Homework Equations



##\vec{A} = \vec{A}_x + \vec{A}_y + \vec{A}_z = A_x \hat{i} + A_y \hat{j} + A_z \hat{k}##

The Attempt at a Solution



My work for part 1 and part 2 are displayed below:

Part 1: http://gyazo.com/9b03c43d7bbc1cb69ded51b9b0637b77

Part 2: http://gyazo.com/6fe9e06cfb189cd8ce6ab1c24811deec

Hopefully I've done these properly. If someone could help me verify it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
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1a. Correct, but incomplete. Use should have used the given values for the components (what you did in 1b).

1b. I agree with the magnitude. The angle, however - with respect to what is it 37 degree? Usually it is taken with respect to the x axis, but it is clearly seen from the picture that it is between 90 and 180 degrees. And the final expression you obtained does not make any sense to me at all.

2. I agree with the method. I have not checked the numbers, though.
 
Thanks for the reply voko.

voko said:
1a. Correct, but incomplete. Use should have used the given values for the components (what you did in 1b).

1b. I agree with the magnitude. The angle, however - with respect to what is it 37 degree? Usually it is taken with respect to the x axis, but it is clearly seen from the picture that it is between 90 and 180 degrees. And the final expression you obtained does not make any sense to me at all.

Question 1 was split into 2 parts, namely a) and b). For part a) I think I only had to write the component form down.

For part 1 b) though, I'm not sure I understand what I've done wrong. When I found the components for ##\vec{A}## and ##\vec{C}##, I switched everything so it would be in the first quadrant by adding a negative sign to ##C_y## (the book I'm using wants me to do this).

When I wrote my final answer, namely ##\vec{B} = 5 [-x 36.87° +y]##, I intended it to mean ##36.87°## above the negative x axis. So ##-x## is like west and ##+y## is like north.

voko said:
2. I agree with the method. I have not checked the numbers, though.

I'm sure if 1 is okay, 2 will be fine.
 
Zondrina said:
Question 1 was split into 2 parts, namely a) and b). For part a) I think I only had to write the component form down.

I believe you were supposed to write the component form not just in symbols, but in concrete numbers.

When I wrote my final answer, namely ##\vec{B} = 5 [-x 36.87° +y]##, I intended it to mean ##36.87°## above the negative x axis. So ##-x## is like west and ##+y## is like north.

This isn't a notation I am familiar with, but if that is what your textbook and you teachers understand, use it. If the angle is measured from the west, then it is OK.
 
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voko said:
I believe you were supposed to write the component form not just in symbols, but in concrete numbers.

This isn't a notation I am familiar with, but if that is what your textbook and you teachers understand, use it. If the angle is measured from the west, then it is OK.

This is just some self study. I'm trying to plow through phys for scientist & engineers by Randall d. Knight since I got tired of not knowing any real physics :).

I think I'll switch back to the old NESW convention as it's probably less confusing to me and any potential readers.

Thank you for your help though. Hard to tell if you're doing something properly if there's no teacher.
 

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