Hello-
I was wondering if a vector can have a nonzero magnitude if a component is zero? If it can't then why? If it can could you give me an example?
Thanks!!!
2006-09-07 07:51:22 · 5 answers · asked by monica G 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
vector (1,0) has a magnitude of 1 while its 2nd component is 0.
(in cartesian convention)
HOWEVER: polar convention (r,theta), then 'r' IS the magnitude, so you better pay attention to that one if you absolutely want a non zero magnitude
magnitude is the size of the multidimensional object that is the vector. a component of a vector only refers to ONE of those dimensions. that's why.
2006-09-07 07:57:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider a two dimensional example: If the force vector that acts on a marble is (0, 2) then even though one of the components is zero the second one is nonzero and the magnitude will of course be positive.
2006-09-07 07:59:43 · answer #2 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Take the vector (0,1). The x component is zero, but the y component is one. Its magnitude is one, pointing in the positive y direction.
2006-09-07 07:54:47 · answer #3 · answered by David M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure it can. It will just have a 0 degree phase angle
2006-09-10 22:42:20 · answer #4 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a vector is usually path between two points.
2006-09-07 07:57:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋