What are the components of F and how can vectors be used to determine them?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the components of a force vector F acting along a rod AC and perpendicular to it. The problem involves finding the coordinates of point B, which is located 3 m along the rod from end C, but the coordinates of B are not provided, leading to challenges in calculating the vector components of F along BD.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the coordinates of points A, B, and C, questioning how to derive the coordinates of B based on the given information. There are discussions about using the Pythagorean theorem and similar triangles to find the necessary lengths and coordinates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering hints and suggestions for visualizing the problem through diagrams and geometric relationships. Some participants express confusion about the methods being discussed, while others clarify concepts related to vector equations and the geometric setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the coordinates of points A and C are known, but the lack of explicit coordinates for point B complicates the calculations. There is also mention of the problem's alignment with the current chapter's scope, indicating potential constraints on the methods that can be used.

  • #31
But i don't know if my professor knows that the students know or remember similar triangles. I'm curious to know how is he going to solve this problem during class.
 
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  • #32
sevag00 said:
But i don't know if my professor knows that the students know or remember similar triangles. I'm curious to know how is he going to solve this problem during class.

Everyone is expected to remember their geometry :smile:

I would bet he'll use vectors. To complete the problem without vectors would be very taxing.

Finding the location of point B using geometry is pretty straightforward. When the force F is added in and you start looking for components parallel to and perpendicular to the pipe, the geometry soon becomes tedious (although still doable, the amount of effort is just begging for errors to slip in). Vectors will take care of it all in just a few lines!
 

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