What is the Angle Between Vectors Using the Dot Product Formula?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between two vectors, specifically using the dot product formula. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanation related to vector operations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the dot product formula to find the angle between the vectors.
  • Another participant suggests the formula for the cosine of the angle, indicating the relationship between the dot product and the magnitudes of the vectors.
  • A participant questions what values should be plugged into the formula for the given vectors.
  • There is a clarification on how to calculate the dot product of two vectors given in component form, emphasizing that the dot product results in a scalar quantity.
  • One participant reiterates the definitions of the vectors provided in the initial post.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants are exploring the application of the dot product formula and have not yet resolved the specific calculations needed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific calculations and the application of the dot product formula to the vectors in question.

brinlin
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Find the angle between the vectors $$v=-5\sqrt{3}i+5j$$ and $$w=5i$$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'd use the dot product formula ...

$\cos{\theta} = \dfrac{\vec{v} \cdot \vec{w}}{|v| \, |w|}$
 
when we use the dot product formula. What would we plug in for v and w.
 
to calculate the dot product of two vectors given in component form …

$(a \vec{i} + b \vec{j}) \cdot (c \vec{i} + d \vec{j}) = ac + bd$

… note the dot product is a scalar quantity
 
brinlin said:
when we use the dot product formula. What would we plug in for v and w.
? YOU said, in your first post that
$v= -5\sqrt{3}i+ 5j$
$w= 5i$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K