Chapter 2: Vectors Vector Addition

Objectives Head to Tail Method:

1. The difference between scalars and vectors, and how to add The head-to-tail method is a graphical way to add vectors.
and subtract vectors graphically the tail of the vector is the starting point of the vector, and
the head (or tip) of a vector is the final, pointed end of the arrow.
2. What the components of a vector are, and how to use them
in calculations.

3. What unit vectors are, and how to use them with

components to describe vectors.

4. Two ways of multiplying vectors.

SCALAR AND VECTOR QUANTITIES Parallelogram Method

If two vectors acting simultaneously at a point can be represented

both in magnitude and direction by the adjacent sides of a
parallelogram drawn from a point, then the resultant vector is
represented both in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the
parallelogram passing through that point.

Other Vector Addition Methods

Scalars: These are quantities that are specified by magnitude only.
A magnitude tells us the numerical value and unit of a quantity.

Vectors - These are quantities that are specified by both

magnitude and direction. A vector is represented by a symbol – an
arrow. The head of the arrow indicates the direction of the vector,
while the tail represents the origin. The length of the arrow
represents the magnitude of the vector.

VECTOR ADDITION: Distance vs Displacement

Suppose a teacher walked from his house going to school and

then back to his house. Find the distance and displacement

Distance travelled = 180 m

Displacement = 40 + 50 + (-40) + (-50) = 0

Vector Subtraction RESULTANT VECTOR- Two or more vectors can be
represented by a single vector called the resultant
vector. This vector may be found by using the
graphical method, the Pythagorean method, or the
component method.

Graphical Method

EXAMPLE 3: Andre was observing an insect that

crawled along the wooden ground. With a piece of
chalk, he followed its path. He determined the ant’s
displacement by using a ruler and protractor. The
displacements were as follows: 2 cm east; 3.5 cm 32
EXAMPLE 1 deg north of east; and 2.3 cm, 22 deg west of north.
Draw the resultant vector

Pythagorean Method
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 4: A plane is travelling eastward at an
Four coplanar forces act on a body at point O as shown in the
airspeed of 500 km/h. But a 90 km/h wind is blowing
figure. Find their resultant graphically
southward. What are the direction and speed of the
plane relative to the ground?

FIGURE

Solution
Component Method

EXAMPLE 5: Find the resultant vector

SOLUTION:

Note: Additional activities will be sent through our GC.

Plot the resultant x and y forces in the Cartesian Plane. Using

tangent for right triangles. Find the direction.

EXAMPLE 6: Find the resultant vector

SOLUTION