Vector Scalar Product and KE questions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving vector scalar product problems and understanding kinetic energy questions in accelerated physics. The user initially struggled with calculating angles between vectors and applying the formula cos(theta) = (a * b)/(|a||b|) for dot products. After receiving assistance, the user successfully resolved all the problems presented, indicating a solid grasp of the concepts involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically scalar multiplication and dot products.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly cosine and inverse cosine.
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy formulas, specifically k = 0.5 * m * v^2.
  • Basic principles of physics related to angles and vector relationships.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector operations in depth, focusing on scalar multiplication and dot products.
  • Learn about trigonometric identities and their applications in physics.
  • Explore kinetic energy concepts and their derivations in classical mechanics.
  • Practice solving problems involving angles between vectors using the cosine rule.
USEFUL FOR

Students in accelerated physics courses, educators teaching vector mathematics, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of kinetic energy and vector relationships.

Walczyk
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Just a few questions from this set I have to do, I missed the class on these topics so I'm just a little confused with these last few problems.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/2307/problem43eu.png

Concerning sets 38-39, and 40-41, I've grasped how to scalar multiply these vectors, but not how to find the angle it seems, wondering if anybody can check those out. as for the last set, i was able to find the first answer with k=.5*m*v^2, but I'm not sure what the second question is asking. I missed the class on these topics (accelerated physics in the summer, awfully bad to miss a class). thanks in advance!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe the formula you need to use is something like:

cos(theta) = (a * b)/(|a||b|)

Where * is the dot product of a and b.
 
aye, i wroked those angles out, inverse cosine.
edit: I've figured out all the problems, thanks for the help everyone.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Generalized coordinates- scalar product
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Finding the Scalar Triple Product of Three Vectors
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Does Tangential Velocity Relate to Vector Products in Rotational Motion?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Stuck on a few Vector homework problems
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Evaluating scalar products of two functions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad The Road to Reality - exercise on scalar product
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
Question on Calculating Coulomb force in VECTOR FORM
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Angle between vectors via scalar product vs vector product
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Dot product of two vector operators in unusual coordinates
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
High School Minkowski metric, scalar product, why the minus sign?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K