What Is the Position and Displacement of a Watermelon Seed in 3D Space?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the position vector and displacement of a watermelon seed in three-dimensional space, given its initial and final coordinates. The subject area includes vector addition and trigonometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the position vector's magnitude and angle, with attempts to use vector diagrams and the Pythagorean theorem. Questions arise regarding the correct application of trigonometric functions to find angles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on vector addition and angle calculations. There is a divergence in approaches, particularly regarding the interpretation of angles and the methods used to derive them.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential confusion regarding the problem setup and calculations, with varying interpretations of the angle measurements and the use of trigonometric identities.

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Homework Statement


A watermelon seed has the following coordinates: x = -3.1 m, y = 2.7 m, and z = 0 m. Find its position vector as (a) a magnitude and (b) an angle relative to the positive direction of the x axis. If the seed is moved to the xyz coordinates (6.6 m, 0 m, 0 m), what is its displacement as (c) a magnitude and (d) an angle relative to the positive direction of the x axis?


Homework Equations



adding vectors

The Attempt at a Solution


I got A and B to equal 4.1 m and 138.812 degrees respectively, then I got stuck on C and D
 
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draw a vector diagram
 
Right, so the diagram that would need to be used is 9.7 for the x-axis by adding the -3.1 and 6.6 together? and then you use the 2.7 with the 9.7 to get the magnitude? Which i got to be 10.07
 
Then for the angle...You take the inverse sin of (2.7/10.07) which i got to be 15.55. Would I subtract that from 90 then to get the degrees?
 
are you using rx= ax +bx, ry= ay + by, r = (rx^2 + ry^2)^(1/2), and tan^-1(ry/rx)
 
i used Pythagorean theorem to get the 10.07 (which is correct according to the program) and then i used sinx=(2.7/10.07) Then take the inverse. Now would i subtract that answer (15.55 degrees) from 180?
 
ok, you are doing a different problem then I had in mind, that sound right to me subtract the answer (15.55 degrees) from 180
 
are you solved this, if so change the name
 

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