Vector question on component subscripts

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to interpret and graph vector components and resultant from a problem, specifically with the use of pulleys and masses on a force table. The question is asking for an example or context in which the A1 and A2 forces are seen, and it is mentioned that the A1 component does not have a X subscript. The conversation also includes instructions for calculating the magnitudes and components of the forces and drawing a vector diagram using the parallelogram method. The expert suggests that the subscripts are simply labels and do not hold any special meaning.
  • #1
pillar
35
0
What does A1mean? This A1 component does not even have a X subscript.
Then there's A1x and resultant R2.Can anyone give an example on how to interpret and graph both vector components & resultant from a problem?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have a specific question, or context, in which you've seen this?
 
  • #3
cristo said:
Do you have a specific question, or context, in which you've seen this?

It's lab, but I haven't seen this in the book.

1 Mount a pulley at the 20 degree mark on the force table and suspend a mass of 100 grams over it. This gives a force A1. Next, mount a second pulley at the 120 mark and suspend amass of 200 grows over it, giving a force A2.

a. Calculate the magnitudes of these forces, their representive langhts, and their components. Record these calculations in table 1.

b.Draw a vector diagram for A1 & A2 with their lengths represented in centimeters. Use the parallelogram method to add these vectors geometrically to get the resultant vector R1=A2 + A2.
 
  • #4
Oh, ok, well the subscript doesn't mean anything too special there. You could just call the forces A and B, with resultant R. The subscript in that case is just a label.
 

1. What is a vector component subscript?

A vector component subscript is a numerical or alphabetical index used to identify the individual components of a vector. It is typically represented as a lowercase letter or number written after the vector symbol, such as vx for the x-component of vector v.

2. How do you find the magnitude of a vector using component subscripts?

To find the magnitude of a vector using component subscripts, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. Take the square root of the sum of the squares of all the vector components, such as |v| = √(vx2 + vy2 + vz2).

3. Can you have negative vector component subscripts?

Yes, you can have negative vector component subscripts. Negative subscripts indicate a direction opposite to the positive direction, such as v-x for the negative x-component of vector v.

4. How do you add or subtract vectors using component subscripts?

You can add or subtract vectors using component subscripts by simply adding or subtracting their corresponding components. For example, to add two vectors v and w, you can use the formula v + w = (vx + wx, vy + wy, vz + wz).

5. What is the significance of vector component subscripts in physics?

Vector component subscripts are significant in physics because they allow us to break down a vector into its individual components, making it easier to perform calculations and analyze the vector's properties. They also help us visualize the direction and magnitude of a vector in a specific coordinate system.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
496
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
285
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
776
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
982
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
Back
Top