What is the sine of the angle between two given vectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the sine of the angle between two vectors, \( \vec{T} \) and \( \vec{U} \), given their components and the result of their cross product. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculations and the relationships between the magnitudes of the vectors and the sine of the angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of computing the cross product \( \vec{T} \times \vec{U} \) and its magnitude. There are questions about the correctness of the equations used and the interpretation of the results. Some participants suggest using the determinant method for the cross product calculation.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between the magnitudes of the vectors and the sine of the angle. Some participants have provided guidance on the correct equations to use, while others are questioning the original poster's calculations and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions difficulties with LaTeX and posting images, which may impact the clarity of their explanations. There is also a reference to previous discussions on similar topics, indicating a broader context of inquiry.

Jovy
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Hello, I apologize in advance for the way this post looks. I am new to this forum and I've never used LaTeX Primer. I noticed that someone has prevoiusly asked the same question, but I still do not understand how to get to the answer. Also, I tried posting an image but I could not; and this other post contains the image so I will leave a link to the other forum.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/cross-product-homework.352545/

1. Homework Statement

The figure shows two vectors $$ \vec T$$ and $$\vec U$$ separated by an angle $$θ_{TU}$$ You are given that $$\vec T =(3,1,0), \vec U =(2,4,0), ~and~ \vec T × \vec U = \vec V$$ Find the sine of the angle between $$\vec T ~and~ \vec U $$

Homework Equations



$$| \vec T × \vec U |= | \vec T || \vec V |\sinθ$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the answer is $$\frac {\sqrt{2}} 2$$ The magnitude of vector V is 10 and you square root that, 10 is also opposite of the angle theta. However, I don't understand how the hypotenuse is 20 therefore you would simplify $$\frac {\sqrt{10}} {\sqrt20}$$ to get the answer
 
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You didn't compute ## T \times U ## as far as I can see. This is a necessary computation. The easiest way that I know is by the determinant method. Have they shown you the determinant method in your coursework? ## \\ ## Editing... Looking over your work, the correct equation is ## | T \times U|=|T||U| sin(\theta) ##. (The equation you have written is incorrect.) The correct result is thereby ## \frac{|V|}{|T||U|}=sin(\theta) ## where ## V=T \times U ##.
 
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Charles Link said:
You didn't compute ## T \times U ## as far as I can see. This is a necessary computation. The easiest way that I know is by the determinant method. Have they shown you the determinant method in your coursework? ## \\ ## Editing... Looking over your work, the correct equation is ## | T \times U|=|T||U| sin(\theta) ##. (The equation you have written is incorrect.) The correct result is thereby ## \frac{|V|}{|T||U|}=sin(\theta) ## where ## V=T \times U ##.

Isn't the magnitude of T ##\sqrt{3^2+1^2+0^2}## = ##\sqrt{10}## and the magnitude of U ##\sqrt{2^2+4^2+0^2}## = ##\sqrt{20}## ? But if you plug that into ## \frac{|V|}{|T||U|}=sin(\theta) ## , the answer is not correct. Where am I going wrong?
 
Jovy said:
Isn't the magnitude of T ##\sqrt{3^2+1^2+0^2}## = ##\sqrt{10}## and the magnitude of U ##\sqrt{2^2+4^2+0^2}## = ##\sqrt{20}## ? But if you plug that into ## \frac{|V|}{|T||U|}=sin(\theta) ## , the answer is not correct. Where am I going wrong?

It gives you the correct answer.

What is ##\vec{T} \times \vec{U}##?
 
Student100 said:
It gives you the correct answer.

What is ##\vec{T} \times \vec{U}##?

It is (0,0,10), so the magnitude of that is 10.
 
Jovy said:
It is (0,0,10), so the magnitude of that is 10.

Yes, sooo...

$$\frac{|V|}{|T||U|} = \sin(\theta)$$
$$\arcsin(\frac{|V|}{|T||U|}) = \theta$$
$$\arcsin(\frac{\sqrt{100}}{\sqrt{10}\sqrt{20}}) = \theta$$
$$\arcsin(\sqrt{\frac{100}{200}}) = \theta$$

Can you finish it from there?
 
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Yes, I just forgot to take the arcsin of that. Thank you!
 
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