Suppose masses m1, m2, m3, m4 are located at positions x1, x2, x3, x4 in a line and connected by springs with constants k12, k23, k34 whose natural lengths of extension are l12, l23, l34. Let f1, f2, f3, f4 denote the rightward forces on the masses, e.g., f1 = k12(x2 - x1 - l12). (a) Write the 4 x 4 matrix equation relating the column vectors f and x. Let K denote the matrix in this equation. (b) What are the dimensions of the entries of K in the physics sense (e.g., mass times tim, distance divided by mass, etc.)? (c) What are the dimensions of det(K), again in the physics sense? (d) Suppose K is given numerical values based on the unit meters, kilograms, and seconds. Now the system is rewritten with a matrix K' based on centimeters, grams, and seconds. What is the relationship of K' to K? What is the relationship of det(K') to det(K)?

Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
13th Edition
ISBN:9781133382119
Author:Swokowski
Publisher:Swokowski
Chapter8: Applications Of Trigonometry
Section8.3: Vectors
Problem 60E
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Suppose masses m1m2m3m4 are located at positions x1x2x3x4 in a line and connected by springs with constants k12k23k34 whose natural lengths of extension are l12l23l34. Let f1f2f3f4 denote the rightward forces on the masses, e.g., f1k12(x2x1l12).

(a) Write the 4 x 4 matrix equation relating the column vectors f and x. Let K denote the matrix in this equation.

(b) What are the dimensions of the entries of K in the physics sense (e.g., mass times tim, distance divided by mass, etc.)?

(c) What are the dimensions of det(K), again in the physics sense?

(d) Suppose K is given numerical values based on the unit meters, kilograms, and seconds. Now the system is rewritten with a matrix K' based on centimeters, grams, and seconds. What is the relationship of K' to K? What is the relationship of det(K') to det(K)?

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