ADDITION OF VECTORS

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

How do we add vectors? Since vectors have magnitude and direction,

we cannot combine them the way we do with scalars. Addition of scalars

uses just a simple arithmetic, for example 3kg + 5kg = 8kg. Addition of vectors

however, is different; the sum depends on the direction of the vectors. Do you

also know how to draw different vectors with given magnitude and direction.?

Let us first learn how to represent vectors.

Pictorially, a vector is represented by drawing an arrow. The length of the

arrow signifies the magnitude of the vector. On the other hand, the arrowhead

points to the direction of the vector and the tail tells the origin of the vector.

Then, we name the vector by a letter with an arrow above it or simply a bold

letter. For example, a force vector, F or F which has a magnitude of 50 new

tons with direction at an angle of 300

from the horizontal.

To represent the given vector through an arrow, an appropriate scale is

needed, and a possible scale here would be 1 cm:10 N. This means, our arrow

representing the force vector would be 5 cm long. It is also important to specify

the direction by drawing the arrow at an angle by simply applying your

Geometry lessons on angles. A protractor is used to draw the vector such that

it will make an angle of 300

from the horizontal. Remember, that any change in

angle changes the vector so it’s good to have a good ruler, protractor eraser

and a sharp pencil. Now, let us draw the given force vector.
 Given: F = 50 newtons, 300

from the horizontal

Scale: 1cm: 10 newtons

-y

Did you know that vectors could also be named in different ways? Refer to the

figure above, can you give other names for the given force vector? The

following are the possible names:

F= 50 newtons, 300

F= 50 newtons, - 3300

F = 50 newtons, 300 North East

F= 50 newtons, 600 East of North

Remember that by convention, angles measured counterclockwise from the

positive x- axis are positive; otherwise, the angles are negative.

Now, that you have learned how to draw a vector with magnitude and

direction accurately, are you now ready to add two or more vectors.?

The sum of two or more vectors is represented by a single vector called

resultant. There are different ways to be followed in adding vectors:

1.Vectors acting in the same direction

 The resultant of two vectors acting in the same direction is a

vector whose magnitude is equal to the sum of their magnitudes

and act in the same direction as they do.

Example: 25 km North + 30 km North = 55 km North