Vector addition; spherical coordinates

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on vector addition in spherical coordinates, specifically how to find the position vector of point (2) given a position vector of point (1) and a unit vector R1,2. The unit vector, expressed as [Aex - Bey + Cez], indicates the direction to point (2). To determine the position vector of point (2), one must multiply the unit vector by the distance of 5m and then add this result to the position vector of point (1). This method ensures accurate vector addition in three-dimensional space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates
  • Familiarity with vector operations
  • Knowledge of unit vectors
  • Basic principles of three-dimensional geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in three-dimensional space
  • Learn about spherical coordinate transformations
  • Explore applications of unit vectors in physics
  • Investigate vector operations in software tools like MATLAB or Python
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mathematics, and engineering who are working with vector calculations and spherical coordinates.

Roodles01
Messages
125
Reaction score
0
Should be quite easy, really, given that it's just adding things together, hey ho.

Problem
a position vector of point (1), identified by sherical coordinates, is 5m away from point (2).
I have a unit vector R1,2 identified by spherical coordinates [Aex - Bey +Cez], giving the direction to point 2.
How do I find the position vector of point 2

Do I just add 5.0m to each element? Of course not, but how do I do it, please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, multiply your unit vector by 5 and add that.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K