Physics: Unit Vectors
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Questions and Answers

What is a unit vector?

  • A vector of unit magnitude in a specified direction (correct)
  • A vector that can point in any direction with any magnitude
  • A vector with zero magnitude
  • A vector that has only one component
  • The unit vectors î, Ĵ, and k̂ are directed along the x, y, and z axes, respectively.

    True

    What is the standard Cartesian form of representing a vector F in terms of its components?

    F = Fx î + Fy Ĵ + Fz k̂

    The unit vector that characterizes the direction of a force can be obtained by dividing the vector d by its magnitude d, resulting in the unit vector _____ .

    <p>n̂</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following unit vectors with their corresponding axes:

    <p>î = x-axis Ĵ = y-axis k̂ = z-axis n̂ = arbitrary direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about unit vectors is correct?

    <p>Unit vectors have a fixed direction and magnitude of one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Multiplying a unit vector by a scalar will change its direction but not its magnitude.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can you obtain the unit vector n̂ in terms of vector d?

    <p>By dividing the vector d by its magnitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of vector is used to represent a force acting on a specific particle?

    <p>Bound vector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cross product of two vectors that point in opposite directions is zero.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic that differentiates a free vector from other types of vectors?

    <p>It is independent of the point of application.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A vector is represented by the notation ____, which indicates its direction.

    <p>boldface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of vector to its description:

    <p>Bound vector = Representation for forces acting on a specific point Sliding vector = Forces which can be moved along their direction Free vector = A vector that can be applied anywhere Zero vector = A vector with no magnitude or direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the notation typically used to express the magnitude of a vector?

    <p>|F|</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Two vectors that are perpendicular will have a non-zero cross product.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define what a sliding vector is in terms of its application.

    <p>A sliding vector represents forces acting on a rigid body and can be moved along its line of action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the rectangular components of a force vector known as?

    <p>Fx and Fy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The orientation of the x- and y-axes affects the negativities of the components Fx and Fy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the formula to calculate the horizontal component (Fx) of a force based on its angle?

    <p>Fx = Fcosθ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The vertical component of a force can be calculated using the formula ___ = Fsinθ.

    <p>Fy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the rectangular components of a force is true?

    <p>The components specify the force's magnitude and direction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the force components with their corresponding formulas:

    <p>Fx = Fsinθy Fy = Fcosθx</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When both Fx and Fy are directed to the negative axes, they are still considered positive.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information do the rectangular components of a force provide about that force?

    <p>Magnitude, inclination, and direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Unit Vectors

    • A unit vector has a magnitude of one and points in a specified direction.
    • Multiplying a unit vector by a scalar results in a vector with the unit vector's direction and magnitude equal to the scalar.
    • Standard unit vectors include:
      • î: directed along the x-axis
      • Ĵ: directed along the y-axis
      • k̂: directed along the z-axis
      • n̂: an arbitrary direction

    Force Representation

    • A force vector F can be expressed in Cartesian coordinates as:
      • 𝐅 = 𝐹𝑥 𝐢̂ + 𝐹𝑦 𝐣̂ + 𝐹𝑧 𝐤
    • The unit vector n̂ that defines the direction of force F is determined by dividing the vector d by its magnitude.

    Vector Notation

    • Vectors distinguish between magnitude and direction via notation:
      • Represented as bold (F), with an arrow above (𝐹⃗ ), or underlined (F).
      • Magnitude denoted by |F|.

    Types of Vectors

    • Fixed vector: Represents a force with a specific point of application.
    • Sliding vector: Can move along the lines of action of forces acting on rigid bodies.
    • Free vector: Independent of the point of application.

    Rectangular Components

    • Commonly used to resolve force vectors in two dimensions:
      • Components can be calculated as:
        • 𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
        • 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
    • Components Fx and Fy are positive in the direction of their respective axes, negative when directed oppositely.

    Direction and Specification

    • Knowing the rectangular components of a force completely determines its magnitude, inclination, and direction.
    • The orientation of the x- and y-axes is arbitrary, thereby affecting the sign of the components.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the concept of unit vectors, their definition, and their relationship with scalar multiplication. Understand the direction and magnitude of unit vectors along the x, y, and z axes. Test your knowledge on the foundational principles of vector analysis.

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