Work and force problem with vectors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a machine moving a 4.0 kg package and calculating the work done and average power. Participants clarify the correct initial position vector, identifying a typo in the j component, which should be 0.75m instead of 0.7m. There is confusion regarding the force vector, with one participant mistakenly using incorrect values in their calculations. The correct method for calculating work using the dot product is emphasized, with a reminder that the result should not be a vector. The conversation highlights common mistakes in physics problems and the importance of accuracy in calculations.
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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