Particle has position vector 2i + j

In summary, a particle with an initial position vector of 2i + j and speed of 10m/s in the direction of 3i-4j has a velocity vector of k(3i-4j) and a magnitude of 10. When t=3, the particle's position vector is 20i -23j and it has traveled a distance of 23.54m in 3 seconds.
  • #1
Gughanath
118
0
A particle has position vector 2i + j (i is along x-axis and j is along y axis) initially. and is moving with speed of 10m/s in the direction 3i-4j. Find its position vector when t=3 and the distance it has travlled in those 3 seconds.
Please help me with the first part of the question. :confused:
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your velocity vector must satisfy two conditions:
1. It must be parallell to 3i-4j
What does that tell you about the form of the velocity vector?
2. The velocity vector's magnitude is 10.
 
  • #3
it says the particle is traveling in the direction 3i-4j, isn't that the velocity vector??
 
  • #4
Gughanath said:
it says the particle is traveling in the direction 3i-4j, isn't that the velocity vector??
Nope: the velocity vector is the time-derivative of the position vector.
What you've been given is that the velocity vector is PARALLELL to (in the direction of) 3i-4j, that is:
[tex]\vec{v}=k(3\vec{i}-4\vec{j})[/tex]
where k>0 is a proportionality factor (unknown at the moment!).
In addition, you have been given that the SPEED is 10, that is:
[tex]||\vec{v}||=10[/tex]
Use the last equation to determine k.
 
  • #5
phew...you just saved me from a headache. Now I get it. My value for k is 2.
 
  • #6
displacement is 20i -23j
 
  • #7
Gughanath said:
displacement is 20i -23j
Yes, that's right.
 

FAQ: Particle has position vector 2i + j

What does "Particle has position vector 2i + j" mean?

It means that the particle's position can be described using a vector with a magnitude of 2 units in the x-direction (i) and 1 unit in the y-direction (j).

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. It is represented by an arrow and can be used to describe physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and force.

How is the position vector of a particle determined?

The position vector of a particle is determined by measuring its distance and direction from a reference point, usually the origin of a coordinate system.

How is the position vector written in 3 dimensions?

In 3 dimensions, the position vector is written as r = x i + y j + z k, where x, y, and z represent the coordinates in the x, y, and z directions respectively.

Can the position vector of a particle change over time?

Yes, the position vector of a particle can change over time as the particle moves in space. This change can be described using the particle's velocity vector.

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
816
Back
Top