Chapter 13: Problem 18
Find the length of the vectors. $$\vec{v}=7.2 \vec{i}-1.5 \vec{j}+2.1 \vec{k}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vector's length is approximately 7.65.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Components
To find the length of a vector, start by identifying its components. The vector \(\vec{v} = 7.2 \vec{i} - 1.5 \vec{j} + 2.1 \vec{k}\) has components: \(v_x = 7.2\), \(v_y = -1.5\), and \(v_z = 2.1\).
02
Formula for Vector Length
Use the formula for the length (or magnitude) of a vector in three-dimensional space: \(\|\vec{v}\| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2 + v_z^2}\).
03
Calculate Each Component's Square
Compute the squares of each of the vector's components: - \(v_x^2 = (7.2)^2 = 51.84\)- \(v_y^2 = (-1.5)^2 = 2.25\)- \(v_z^2 = (2.1)^2 = 4.41\)
04
Sum the Squared Components
Add the squared components together: \(51.84 + 2.25 + 4.41 = 58.5\).
05
Take the Square Root
Finally, take the square root of the sum: \(\|\vec{v}\| = \sqrt{58.5} \approx 7.65 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Components
Understanding the components of a vector is crucial when dealing with vectors in three-dimensional space. Each vector can be thought of as having separate parts, or components, that lie along the x, y, and z axes.
These components help in clearly breaking down the overall vector into manageable parts:
Identifying these components is the first step in many vector-related calculations, including finding a vector's length.
These components help in clearly breaking down the overall vector into manageable parts:
- The x-component in the vector points in the direction of the x-axis and is denoted by a scalar value multiplied by the unit vector \(\vec{i}\).
- The y-component points along the y-axis and is indicated with \(\vec{j}\), also being a scalar multiple.
- The z-component runs along the z-axis and involves the unit vector \(\vec{k}\), once again multiplied by a scalar.
Identifying these components is the first step in many vector-related calculations, including finding a vector's length.
Magnitude Calculation
The magnitude, or length, of a vector is a measure of how long the vector is when the total distance is considered in three dimensions.
The formula for calculating the magnitude of a vector \(\vec{v}\) with components \(v_x\), \(v_y\), and \(v_z\) is given by:\[\|\vec{v}\| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2 + v_z^2}\]To calculate this:
The formula for calculating the magnitude of a vector \(\vec{v}\) with components \(v_x\), \(v_y\), and \(v_z\) is given by:\[\|\vec{v}\| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2 + v_z^2}\]To calculate this:
- Square each component: \(v_x^2 = 51.84\), \(v_y^2 = 2.25\), and \(v_z^2 = 4.41\).
- Add the squares: \(51.84 + 2.25 + 4.41 = 58.5\).
- Take the square root of the result to find the magnitude: \(\|\vec{v}\| = \sqrt{58.5} \approx 7.65\).
Three-Dimensional Vectors
Vectors in three-dimensional space offer a rich view of motion and forces, extending beyond the flat, two-dimensional plains.
These vectors are often represented in terms of unit vectors, \(\vec{i}\), \(\vec{j}\), and \(\vec{k}\), for each respective axis.With three-dimensional vectors, you can model scenarios that involve movement or forces acting in three directions at once. For instance:
These vectors are often represented in terms of unit vectors, \(\vec{i}\), \(\vec{j}\), and \(\vec{k}\), for each respective axis.With three-dimensional vectors, you can model scenarios that involve movement or forces acting in three directions at once. For instance:
- Physical forces operating in space, such as gravity and electromagnetism, are traditionally expressed in three dimensions.
- Displacements or velocities in navigation tasks, such as aviation or maritime journey paths, are described with three-dimensional vectors.