What is the Equation for Finding Vector Magnitude in 2D and 3D?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the magnitude of a vector given its components in two dimensions (2D) or three dimensions (3D). The original poster provides specific component values for Vx and Vy but expresses uncertainty about the process for calculating the magnitude.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question whether the movement is in 2D or 3D and discuss the implications of knowing the dimensions for defining vector components. There is an exploration of the formula for vector magnitude based on the provided components.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance by prompting the original poster to recall the formula for vector magnitude. There is a consideration of the assumption that the z-component is zero due to the lack of provided information, leading to a discussion about the equivalence of the magnitude calculations in both dimensions.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption regarding the z-component of the vector, as it has not been provided. The discussion reflects on how this impacts the calculation of magnitude in different dimensional contexts.

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Homework Statement



Vx = 18 m/s and Vy = 45 m/s

Homework Equations



This is what I am not understanding, could anyone help with the equation process to finding the magnitude?

Thank you!
 
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Do we know if the movement takes place in 2 or in 3 dimensions?
 
cwasdqwe said:
Do we know if the movement takes place in 2 or in 3 dimensions?

It does not matter.

To the OP: what is the formula for the magnitude of a vector if we know all its components? You must have seen this somewhere...
 
nrqed said:
...what is the formula for the magnitude of a vector if we know all its components? You must have seen this somewhere...

To define all its components you must know the dimension... but okay, let's assume v_{z}=0...
 
cwasdqwe said:
To define all its components you must know the dimension... but okay, let's assume v_{z}=0...

Yes, I assume that v_z =0 since no value is provided. It would be strange if ## v_z ## was not zero and they would not give us the value. My point is that then we get the same answer whether we use the magnitude equation in 2D or in 3D.
 

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