Solving Parts E & F of Math Problem: Step-by-Step Guide

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving parts E and F of a math problem involving vector components and angles. Participants are examining the relationships between vector components and their angles, particularly focusing on the calculations related to the dot product and direction cosines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the accuracy of previous answers regarding angles and vector components. They explore the concept of finding the vertical component of a force and the implications of the dot product in their calculations. Some express uncertainty about their angle calculations and seek confirmation on their methods.

Discussion Status

There is an active exchange of ideas, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. Some have suggested specific questions to consider, while others are revisiting their calculations and seeking feedback on their reasoning. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored without a clear consensus on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the underlying concepts rather than simply obtaining answers.

Jec
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Can someone help me how can I solve parts E and F ?
 

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Jec said:
Can someone help me how can I solve parts E and F ?
Are you sure about your answer to d)? Seems to me that the three components of ##\vec r## are roughly equal, so I would not have expected the angle to be so close to 90 degrees.
For e), you may have been shown a formula for finding the component of one vector in the direction of another. If not, try answering these two questions and comparing the answers:
If you wanted the vertical component of a force F at angle theta to the vertical, what would it be?
If you took the dot product of two vectors of magnitudes a, b, with angle theta between them, what value would you get?
 
haruspex said:
Are you sure about your answer to d)? Seems to me that the three components of ##\vec r## are roughly equal, so I would not have expected the angle to be so close to 90 degrees.
For e), you may have been shown a formula for finding the component of one vector in the direction of another. If not, try answering these two questions and comparing the answers:
If you wanted the vertical component of a force F at angle theta to the vertical, what would it be?
If you took the dot product of two vectors of magnitudes a, b, with angle theta between them, what value would you get?
Uhm i tried to solve again for the angle and I got 123.06 degrees but not sure.
Should I use only dot product ? would it be (6.1)(-1)+(9.4)(2)+(-8.9)(3) only?
 
Jec said:
Uhm i tried to solve again for the angle and I got 123.06 degrees but not sure.
Should I use only dot product ? would it be (6.1)(-1)+(9.4)(2)+(-8.9)(3) only?
123 degrees sounds more ressonable. If you want me to check it exactly please post all your working.
The answer to d) is not simply a matter of taking the dot product. Please try to answer the two questions I asked.
 
It is useful to know that, for any vector [itex]a\vec{i}+ b\vec{j}+ c\vec{k}[/itex], the components of the unit vector in that direction, [itex](a/d)\vec{i}+ (b/d)\vec{j}+ (c/d)\vec{k}[/itex], where [itex]d= \sqrt{a^2+ b^2+ c^2}[/itex], are the "direction cosines" of the vector: a/d is the cosine of the angle between the vector and the x-axis, b/d is the cosine of the angle between the vector and the y-axis, and c/d is the cosine of the angle between the vector and the z-axis.
 

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