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L03 - Vectors II
L03 - Vectors II
Sections D and E
Lecture 03 – Vectors II
(Chapter 2: Sections 2.5 – 2.8)
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 2
Cartesian Vector Representation
k
i j
Ax i
Ay j
x
Magnitude of Cartesian vector A
y
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 3
Cartesian Vector Representation
Direction of Cartesian Vector
z
The direction of the Cartesian vector A
Az k
is defined by the angles , , and it
makes with the x, y, and z axes,
respectively.
A
, , and are called coordinate
direction angles.
Ax
cos
A
Ay
cos Direction cosines of A Ay j
A y
A
cos z Ax i
A
x
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 4
Cartesian Vector Representation
A vector A can be represented using unit
vectors as:
A = AuA, where uA is a unit vector in the
direction of A
A Ax Ay Az
uA i j k
A A A A
u A cos i cos j cos k
The magnitude of a unit vector is 1. Therefore if
any two coordinate angles (direction cosines) are
known we can easily find the third.
u A cos 2 cos 2 cos 2 1
cos 2 cos 2 cos 2 1
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 5
Cartesian Vector Representation – 2’nd Method
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 7
Sample Problem
Solution Procedure
1) Using geometry and trigonometry, write F1 and F2 in Cartesian
vector form.
2) Then add the two forces (by adding x and y components of the
forces).
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 8
Resolve force F1.
F1x = 0 = 0 lb
F1y = 500 (4/5) = 400 lb
F1z = 500 (3/5) = 300 lb
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 9
Resolve force F2.
The + and – only enter the equation when you write the
Force using Cartesian vector coordinates!
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 10
F1 = {0i + 400j + 300k} lb
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 12
Position Vectors
The magnitude of the position vector rAB is given as:
rAB x B x A y B y A z B z A
2 2 2
rAB
u cos i cos j cos k
rAB
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 13
Force Vector Along a Line
In 3-dimensional statics, the force
F can be specified by two points,
A and B through which passes the
line of action of F
F can also be represented by the
position vector, r from point A to
B.
Hence:
r x - x i + yB - y A j+ z B -z A k
F Fu F F B A
r
2 2 2
x B - x A + y B - y A + z B -z A
ECOR1101 – Mechanics I 14
Problem F2-22
15
Problem F2-23
16
Problem 2-95
At a given distance, the position of a plane at A and a train at B are
measured relative to a radar antenna at O. Determine the distance
d between A and B at this instant. To solve the problem, formulate
a position vector, directed from A to B, and then determine its
magnitude.
17
Problem 2-105
The pipe is supported at its ends by a cord AB. If the cord exerts
a force of F=12 lb on the pipe at A, express this force as a
Cartesian vector.
18