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Parallelogram Law of Vectors

The document discusses vectors and their properties. It defines vectors, unit vectors, position vectors, displacement vectors, and how to calculate the magnitude of a vector. It also explains the triangle law of vector addition and parallelogram law of vector addition. The parallelogram law states that if two vectors are represented by the sides of a parallelogram, their resultant is represented by the diagonal of the parallelogram.

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2K views7 pages

Parallelogram Law of Vectors

The document discusses vectors and their properties. It defines vectors, unit vectors, position vectors, displacement vectors, and how to calculate the magnitude of a vector. It also explains the triangle law of vector addition and parallelogram law of vector addition. The parallelogram law states that if two vectors are represented by the sides of a parallelogram, their resultant is represented by the diagonal of the parallelogram.

Uploaded by

deez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF VECTORS

What is a vector ?

Any quantity that has both magnitude and a


direction is called a vector quantity .
For example : velocity and displacement

What is a unit vector ?

Vector with a magnitude of 1 unit pointing in


a particular direction is called as a unit vector .

Since our world is 3 dimensional , we use x, y


and z axis to reach any point in this world .

The unit vector of x axis is known as i cap ( i


with a ‘^’ on top )

The unit vector of y axis is known as j cap ( j


with a ‘^’ on top )
The unit vector of z axis is known as k cap ( k
with a ‘^’ on top )

What is a position vector ?

A vector which gives position of an object with


reference to the origin of a co-ordinate system
is called a position vector .

For example : the co-ordinates of a particular


object is ( 2, 4 , 5 ) .
This can be written as 2i^ + 4j^ + 5k^

What is a displacement vector ?

The displacement between 2 position vectors


is called displacement vector .

For example : 2 vectors A and B , ( 3i^ + 6j^ +


3k^ ) and ( 5i^ + 7j^ + 6 k^ ) respectively .

Displacement vector AB = Vector B - Vector A


ie : 5i^ + 7j^ + 6k^ - 3i^ - 6j^ - 3k^ = 2i^ + 1j^ +
3k^

How to find the magnitude of a

vector ?

For any vector ai^ + bj^ + ck^ , the magnitude


of the vector is :

√ a^2 + b^2 + c^2

Triangle law of vector addition :

If any two vectors both with magnitude and


direction can be represented as 2 sides of a
triangle , then their resultant can be
represented as the third side of the triangle in
the opposite order
What is a resultant ?

Lets assume there are 2 forces acting on a


body . In which direction will it get displaced ?
what will be the magnitude of velocity in
which it moves ? To answer all these , its
important to understand Resultant vector .

Resultant can be explained as a sum or


difference of 2 or more vectors . When
multiple forces are acting on a body , the
direction and magnitude of the path in which
the body moves is represented by a resultant
vector .

For sum of 2 vectors , the resultant =

√ a^2 + b^2 + 2ab cos θ

For difference of 2 vectors , the resultant =

     √ a^2 + b^2 - 2abcos θ

Theta represents the angle between 2 vectors

Parallelogram law of vector addition

If two vectors can be represented both in


magnitude and direction by the two adjacent
sides of a parallelogram drawn from drawn
from a common point , then their resultant is
completely represented , both in magnitude
and direction , by the diagonal of the
parallelogram drawn from that point .
A perfect example for parallelogram law of
vector addition is working of a sling .

When a stone is kept between the string and


pulled , a particular amount of tension is
formed in the string . The resultant of this
tension gives a force to the stone .

Source : New Simplified Physics by SL Arora


THANK YOU

PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF VECTORS What is a vector ? Any quantity that has both magnitude and a direction is called a vector quan
The unit vector of z axis is known as k cap ( k with a ‘^’ on top ) What is a position vector ? A vector which gives positi
ie : 5i^ + 7j^ + 6k^ - 3i^ - 6j^ - 3k^ = 2i^ + 1j^ + 3k^ How to find the magnitude of a vector ? For any vector ai^ +
What is a resultant ? Lets assume there are 2 forces acting on a body . In which direction will it get displaced ? what wi
the body moves is represented by a resultant vector . For sum of 2 vectors , the resultant = √ a^2 + b^2 + 2ab cos θ For d
A perfect example for parallelogram law of vector addition is working of a sling . When a stone is kept between the string
THANK YOU

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