Chapter 3: Problem 74
Vector \(\vec{a}\) lies in the \(y z\) plane \(63.0^{\circ}\) from the positive direction of the \(y\) axis, has a positive \(z\) component, and has magnitude 3.20 units. Vector \(\vec{b}\) lies in the \(x z\) plane \(48.0^{\circ}\) from the positive direction of the \(x\) axis, has a positive \(z\) component, and has magnitude 1.40 units. Find (a) \(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b},\) (b) \(\vec{a} \times \vec{b},\) and \((\mathrm{c})\) the angle between \(\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{b}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Components of Vector a
Identify the Components of Vector b
Compute the Dot Product \( \vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} \)
Compute the Cross Product \( \vec{a} \times \vec{b} \)
Calculate the Angle Between \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Dot Product
- For vectors \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \), the dot product \( \vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} \) is calculated using:\[ a_i \cdot b_i + a_j \cdot b_j + a_k \cdot b_k \]
- In our example, vectors \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \) have been resolved into components as:\[ \vec{a} = 0 \hat{i} + 1.45 \hat{j} + 2.85 \hat{k} \]\[ \vec{b} = 0.94 \hat{i} + 0 \hat{j} + 1.04 \hat{k} \]
- Substitute into the dot product formula:\[ \vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0\cdot0.94 + 1.45\cdot0 + 2.85\cdot1.04 = 0 + 0 + 2.96 = 2.96 \]
Cross Product
- The matrix is:\[\begin{vmatrix} \hat{i} & \hat{j} & \hat{k} \ 0 & 1.45 & 2.85 \ 0.94 & 0 & 1.04 \end{vmatrix}\]
- Calculate the components:
- \( \hat{i} \) component: \( 1.45 \times 1.04 \)
- There is no \( \hat{j} \) contribution from \( a_i \cdot b_k \)
- \( \hat{k} \) component: \( 0 \cdot 0.94 - 2.85 \cdot 0 \)
- The final vector is:\( \vec{a} \times \vec{b} = 1.51 \hat{i} - 0 \hat{j} + 1.36 \hat{k} \)
Angle Between Vectors
- Formula for the cosine of the angle \( \theta \):\[ \cos \theta = \frac{\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}}{\|\vec{a}\| \cdot \|\vec{b}\|} \]
- Given magnitudes:\( \| \vec{a} \| = 3.20 \), and \( \| \vec{b} \| = 1.40 \)
- Plug values into cosine formula:\[ \cos \theta = \frac{2.96}{3.20 \times 1.40} \approx 0.663 \]
- Solve for \( \theta \):\[ \theta = \cos^{-1}(0.663) \approx 48.5^\circ \]
Vector Components
- Vectors resolve into axis components using trigonometric functions of angles formed with the axes.
- For a vector in the plane, components are found using:\[ \vec{v} = v_x \hat{i} + v_y \hat{j} + v_z \hat{k} \]
- In this example, consider \( \vec{a} \):
- Lies in the \( yz \) plane.
- Components: \( 1.45 \hat{j} \) and \( 2.85 \hat{k} \)
- For \( \vec{b} \):
- Lies in the \( xz \) plane.
- Components: \( 0.94 \hat{i} \) and \( 1.04 \hat{k} \)