Work and force problem with vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a constant force on a package being moved by a machine, with specific initial and final positions given in vector form. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically work and force in a three-dimensional context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the dot product to calculate work, with one participant expressing difficulty in applying it correctly. Questions arise regarding the expected output of the dot product and clarification on the components of the initial position and force vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the accuracy of the initial position components and the force values. Some guidance is offered regarding the calculation of the dot product, and there is acknowledgment of common mistakes in applying the concept.

Contextual Notes

There are noted discrepancies in the initial position's j component and the force vector values, which participants are addressing. The original poster acknowledges typos in their initial statement.

J-dizzal
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Homework Statement


A machine carries a 4.0 kg package from an initial position of di=0.6m##\hat i## + 0.7m##\hat j## + 0.26m##\hat k## at t = 0 to a final position of df= 11.5m##\hat i## + 14.0m##\hat j## + 10.2m##\hat k## at t = 15.0 s. The constant force applied by the machine on the package is F= 10.9N##\hat i## + 13.25N##\hat j## + 9.94N##\hat k##. For that displacement, find (a) the work done on the package by the machine's force and (b) the average power of the machine's force on the package.

Homework Equations


w=Fd

The Attempt at a Solution


im attempting to use the dot product here to get work but not working, i don't know why[/B]
20150701_191726_zpsbylgqsfn.jpg
 
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Quick question: should you have a vector as the result of the dot product?
 
Scott Redmond said:
Quick question: should you have a vector as the result of the dot product?
never
 
Scott Redmond said:
Quick question: should you have a vector as the result of the dot product?
thanks, i have been doing that lately i don't know why, i must stop doing that with the dot product.
 
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Is the j component of the initial position 0.7m or 0.75m? (You said 0.7 in the OP but I think it's a typo.)

Also what is the force supposed to be? Your OP says <10.9, 13.25, 9.94>N but your work treats the force as <5, 5, 7>N
 
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Nathanael said:
Is the j component of the initial position 0.7m or 0.75m? (You said 0.7 in the OP but I think it's a typo.)

Also what is the force supposed to be? Your OP says <10.9, 13.25, 9.94>N but your work treats the force as <5, 5, 7>N

yes your right its 0.75j for initial pos.
the force is supposed to be (5,5,7)

i made a few typos on the OP sorry Nathanael.
 
Ok, your only mistake is miscalculating the dot product. ##\vec a\cdot \vec b=a_xb_x+a_yb_y+a_zb_z##
 
J-dizzal said:
thanks, i have been doing that lately i don't know why, i must stop doing that with the dot product.

Ha ha.. We all do stuff like that sometimes, and it's much better to do that here than on the exam!
 

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