Is Calculating Z-Axis Components the Same as X and Y Components?

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In summary, the conversation is about finding scalar components for a magnitude on the z-axis and clarifying that the z-axis is the one that makes it 3D. The main problem is finding the scalar components of an acceleration vector that makes an angle of 75 degrees with the positive z-axis. The solution to this problem is to approach it the same way as with x,y components. The final response is a confirmation that the original question has been answered.
  • #1
sunbunny
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Hey, I'm just wondering if i need to find scalar components for a magnitude on the z-axis, do i go about the same way i would with regual x,y compenents, or is there something else that i need to do??

and just for clarification, the z-axis is the one that makes it 3D, like it's 'popping' out at you??

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
What is the problem specifically?
 
  • #3
the problem is:

An acceleration vector of magnitude 9.81m/s^2 makes an angle of 75 degress with the positive z-axis. Find the scalar components of the vector parallel and perpendicular to the z-axis.
 
  • #4
Then I would answer 'yes' to your original question. :-)
 
  • #5
thanks for your help
 

FAQ: Is Calculating Z-Axis Components the Same as X and Y Components?

What is the purpose of calculating Z-axis components?

The Z-axis component is used to determine the depth or height of an object in relation to the X and Y axes. It is commonly used in 3D modeling and physics calculations.

How do you calculate the Z-axis component of a vector?

To calculate the Z-axis component, you can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In this case, the hypotenuse represents the vector's magnitude and the other two sides represent the X and Y components.

Can you calculate the Z-axis component for a vector in any direction?

Yes, the Z-axis component can be calculated for any vector in three-dimensional space, regardless of its direction. However, it is important to note that the resulting value may be negative depending on the orientation of the vector.

What units are typically used for Z-axis components?

Z-axis components are commonly expressed in the same units as the X and Y components, which can vary depending on the context. For example, in physics, the units may be in meters, while in computer graphics, the units may be in pixels.

Can you use the Z-axis component to determine the angle of a vector?

No, the Z-axis component alone cannot determine the angle of a vector. To find the angle, you will also need to know the X and Y components and use trigonometric functions such as tangent or sine.

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