Mechanics - 01 2022 REVISION | PHYSICS

Vectors Amith Pussella

PHT6771 2022Re 2022-02-28

THEORY 01

Physical quantities that can be indicated by a magnitude as well as a direction are known as
''Vector quantities''

Examples for Vectors

Displacement , velocity, Acceleration,Force (Weight), Momentum , Im-
pulse , Electric field Intensity , Magnetic flux density , Angular velocity
, Angular acceleration , Angular momentum , Angular impulse.

Scalar quantities Examples for Scalars

Physical quantities which are indicated only by a Distance , speed, time , mass , density , tempera-
magnitude are known as ''Scalar Quantities''. ture , pressure (But the forces created due to pres-
sure are vectors ) , stress , Electric current.

Graphical Representation of Vectors

A vector is graphically represented by a straight line segment drawn towards the direction of the particular
vector , with a length proportional to the magnitude of that vector. An arrow head should be marked over that
line in order to indicate its direction.

Eg :- Geometrically indicate a force of 12N, acting in the Eastward direction.

12 N →
AB
The scale can be choosen as 1 cm = 1 N A B
6 cm

Equality of Vectors
AB = PQ Vector AB is equal to vector PQ
→ →
Requirements for AB = PQ B

(1) Two vectors should be homogeneous Q

(2) Magnitudes should be equal (AB = PQ)

→ →
A
(3) AB // PQ P

(4) Directions should be equal

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 Multiplication of a vector by a negative sign.
Only the direction of the vector changes when multiplied by a negative sign. Nothing happens to the magni-
tude.

Multiplication of a Vector by a Real scaler

A vector is resulted, always when a vector is multiplied by a scalar. Magnitude of the resulting vector is
equal to the product of the magnitudes of the vector and the scalar which were subjected to multiplication.

Here, the direction of the resulting vector is equal to the direction of the vector which took part in the
multiplication. If k is a scalar and a is vector.

O A
K x a = Ka

O B
(a). OB = 1.5 OA , K = 1.5 A

(b). When a velocity of 2 ms-1 directed Northwards, is multiplied by two, 2 ms -1 x 2 4 ms -1

the result ant will be a velocity of 4 ms-1 directed Northwards

Multiplication of two Vectors

There are two ways in which two vectors can be multiplied

(a). Vector Product (Cross product)

Here the result is a vector axb=c

(b). Scalar Product (Dot product)

Here the result is a scalar a.b=c

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Q 01
(i) What is the name used to identify quantities that are represented using a magnitude and direction.

(ii) What is the name used to identify quantities that are represented using only the magnitude?

(iii) State whether the following quantities are vectors or scalars.

(a) distance (b) speed (c) velocity

(d) acceleration (e) force (f) momentum

(g) pressure (h)stress (i) impulse

(j) plane angle (k) angular velocity (l) angular acceleration

(m) angular momentum (n) moment of torque (o) gravitational field intensity

(p) electric field intensity (q) magnetic field intensity (r) work

(s) energy (t) power (u) electric current

(v) torque (moment of a force) (w) electric flux (x) electric potential

(y) density (z) temperature

NOTE

Q 02
A given vector is geometrically represented by a line segment of length proportional to its magnitude. The
angular change represents the direction of the vector.

(i) Geometrically represent a 10 N force directed towards the East.

(ii) Represent geometrically a 800 km h-1 velocity acting towards the North at an inclination of 300 to the East.

(iii) What happens when a vector is multiplied by a value?

(iv) What happens when a vector is multiplied by a scalar ?

(v) What is obtained when the vector velocity is multiplied by the scalar time.

(vi) What happens when a vector A directed towards the East is multiplied by 2.5 ?

(vii) What happens when a vector is multiplied by a negative sign ?

(a) its magnitude (b) its direction

(viii) What happens a vector A acting towards the East is multiplied by a negative sign ?

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 (ix) For two vectors to be equal.
(a) the two vectors must be
A B
(b) the two vectors must be
(c) the two vectors must be P Q
(d) the two vectors must be
(e) what can be said when all of the above conditions are satisfied ?

(x). The following shows 4 vectors A , B , C and D.

1 km , North
A

km
1 g
y<
Ejq b
u
n

1 km , W;=re ÈYdjg 1 km , ol=Kq ÈYdjg

B C

→ → → →
a). Are the vectors A and B equal ? b).Are the vectors B and D equal ?

→ →
c). Are the vectors B and C equal ?

Q 03
→
(a) The vector A is represented as follows in a coordinate plane. Represent the following vectors in the same
co-ordinate plane.
→ → → → →
(i) 2.5 A (ii) 0.25 A (iii) 1.5 A (iv) 0.75 A (iv) - 2.0 A
→→ → → →
(b) State the relationship between the vectors P , Q , R and S with the vector A.

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 SPEED MCQ TEST - 01

1. Select the vector quantity out of the following,

(1) energy (2) speed (3) pressure
(4) angular momentum (5) power

2. Which of the following responses contain a pair of vector quantities?

(1) speed , displacement (2) weight , acceleration (3) pressure , time
(4) force , temperature (5) velocity , distance

3. Which of the following responses constitute of a pair of velocity and scalar quantities ?
(1) displacement , acceleration (2) power , speed (3) work , potential energy
(4) force , kinetic energy (5) momentum , velocity

4. Which of the following quantities are vectors,

(A). density (B) acceleration (C). pressure (D). energy
(1) A , D (2) A , C (3) B (4)B , C (5) A ,C , D

5. Which of the following physical quantities are scalar quantities ?

(1) gravitational field intensity (2) magnetic flux density
(3) electric field intensity (4) torque (5) plane angle

6. Consider the following statements made regarding vector and scalar quantities.
(a). A scalar quantity only possess a magnitude.
(b). A vector quantity possess both a magnitude and direction.
(c). A vector is obtained always, when a vector quantity is multiplied by a scalar quantity.
Which of the above is/are true?
(1). a only' (2). b only' (3). c only' (4). a and yd b only' (5). a , b and c only
7. For two homogeneous vectors to be identical to each other.
(a) the magnitudes must be equal.
(b) the two quantities should be representable by two parallel straight lines.
(c) both should act in the same direction.
Which of the following is/are true?
(1). a only' (2). b only' (3). a and b only' (4). a and c only' (5). a, b and c only'
8. The two vectors A and B are parallel to each other and equal in magnitude. Which of the following
statements is true?
(1)' A rectangle is obtained by the geometric lines used to represent A and B.
(2)' A and B cannot be added.
(3). A = B (4)' A = -B
(5). The above conditions are required but insufficient for A = B.
9. What is the change that occurs when the vector A is multiplied by - 5.
1). The direction and magnitude remains unchanged.
2). The direction remains unchanged while the magnitude is multiplied by a factor of 5.
3). The direction is re reverted while the magnitude remains unchanged.
4). The direction is recreased by a factor of 5.
5). The vector becomes a scalar.

10. Consider the following statements.

A. A vector is always obtained by the sum of two vectors.
B. A vector is always obtained by the product of a vector and scalar
C. A vector is always obtained by the product of 2 vectors.
True of the above,
(1). A, B, C (2). A and B (3). B and C (4). A and C (5). None of the above
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA -5-
THEORY 02

Resolution of Vectors

Seperation of any given single vectors into two or more vectors which
altogether give the same effect made by the single vector is known as
vector resolution. Vectors obtained from resolution are known as compo-
nents.

Usually vectors are resolved into two directions perpendicular to each

other.

Perpendicular components of a Interpretation of trigonometric

vector ratios
Trigonometric ratios are interpreted with the help
Lets resolve the given vector P , into two direc- of a line OP with a particular length which is al-
tions perpendicular to each other. Take the verti- ways positive, which is rotatable around the point
cal component as Y and horizontal component as O within the 4 quadrants bounded by the X and Y
X. axes.
Sin θ = y/ p
y
y = p Sin θ (+)
(P sin θ) P y
x = p Sin θ P
α x Projection
θ Cos θ = /p Parallel
of OP on
x = p Cos θ beam
x y axis
light
(P Cos θ) y = p Cos α
(-) θ
O M x (L)
(-)

When line is OP rotated anti-clockwise by an angle

θ begining from the X axis , the trigonometric ra-
tios of that angle are given below.

Sine (Sin)

Ratio between the projection of OP on y axis and the length of OP is equal to the the sine
value of angle θ
PM
Sin θ = ................ (1)
OP

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 Cosine (Cos)

Ratio between the projection of OP along the x axis and the length of OP is equal to the cosine of θ

OM
Cos θ = ................ (2)
OP

Tangent (Tan)

Ratio between the projection of OP along the y axis and the projection of OP along the x axis is known
as the tangent of angle θ
PM
Tan θ = ................ (3)
OM

Trigonometric ratio of an obtuse angle

When θ is an obtuse angle, y
Sin θ = PM > 0 P (+)

OP +
+
θ
That means the sine value of the obtuse angle is +, (-) (180-θ)
x
Sin ( POM ) = Sin (180 - θ) = PM M O (+)
OP
Hence , the sine of an obtuse angle is equal to its supplementary allied angle. (-)

Sin θ = Sin (180 - θ)

Cos θ = OM < 0 (Cosine of an obtuse angle is negative)

OP

Cos ( POM ) = Cos (180 - θ ) = OM

OP

Hence , the cosine of an obtuse angle is numerically equal to the cosine of its supplementary allied angle.

Cos θ = - Cos (180 - θ)

Tan θ = PM < 0 (tangent of an obtuse angle is negative)

OM

Tan θ = - Tan (180 - θ)

Hence , the tan value of an obtuse angle is equal to the negative value of its supplementary allied angle.

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 Trigonometric ratios of major angles
Angle (θ) 00 300 450 600 900 1200 1350 1500 1800

√3 √3
Sin θ 0 1
/2 1
/√2 /2 1 /2 1
/√2 1
/2 0

√3
Cos θ 1 /2 1
/√2 1
/2 0 -1/2 -1/√2 - /3/2 -1
Ratio

Tan θ 0 1
/√3 1 √3 ∞ -√3 -1 - 1 //3 0

An important relationship between trigonometric ratios.

AB 2 + BC 2 = AC 2 A

When both AB 2 + BC 2 = AC 2 = 1
sides
⇒ ( ) ( ) ( )
AC AC AC θ
divided by C B
AC2
Sin θ = AB Co s θ = BC ∴ Sin 2 θ + Cos 2 θ = 1
AC AC
∴ of any given angle , the sum of the squares of sine value and the cosine value is equal to 1.

Physical meaning of the vector component

A given vector can make effects along its inclined directions. Compo-
nent of a vector along an inclined direction means the effect of the
vector along that direction.
Suppose that a particular person is displaced from Colombo to
Anuradhapura. Take that displacement as S. It is clear that the person A Anuradhapura
has made certain displacements towards the East and the North. His
displacement towards the East horizontal is S cos θ and it is the effect
S S Sin θ
towards East which is also known as the component.
Displacement towards the North is S sin θ. That is the effect towards θ
North , which is the vertical component. C
Colombo S Cos θ

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 Resolution of a given vector into two perpendicular directions.
Second quadrant First quadrant

Third quadrant Fourth quadrant

+P Sin θ +P Sin θ -P Sin θ -P Sin θ

P P

θ θ
+P Cos θ -P Cos θ θ -P Cos θ θ +P Cos θ

→ → P → P →
X = +P Cos θ X = -P Cos θ X = -P Cos θ X = +P Cos θ

Y = +P Sin θ Y = +P Sin θ Y = -P Sin θ Y = -P Sin θ

→

→
Q 04
(i) What is the term used to represent the expression of a single vector by means of two or more vectors which
give the same result ?

(ii) What is the name used to identify the portions obtained by vector resolution?

(iii) Resolve the following vectors to two perpendicular components.

y
(a) (i) horizontal component in respect to θ
P
(ii) vertical component in respect to θ
α
θ
(iii) horizontal component in respect to α
x
(iv) vertical component in respect to α

(b) (i) horizontal component in respect to θ y

P
(ii) vertical component in respect to θ
α
(iii) horizontal component in respect to α θ

(iv) vertical component in respect to α

x

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 y
(c) (i) horizontal component in respect to θ

(ii) vertical component in respect to θ

(iii) horizontal component in respect to α θ

α x
(iv) vertical component in respect to α
P

(d) (i) horizontal component in respect to θ y

(ii) vertical component in respect to θ

(iii) horizontal component in respect to α

θ x
(iv) vertical component in respect to α α

Q 05

Find the magnitudes of the vertical and horizontal components of the following vectors.

(i)
→
X = 10 N

Y↑ =

(ii)
→
X = 20 ms-1

Y↑ =

(iii)
→ 8N
X =
60 0

Y↑ =

(iv)
→
X = 20 ms-1 30 0

Y↑ =

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 (v)
→
X =

45 0
Y↑ =
30 √ 2N

(vi)
→
X =

Y↑ = 30 0

20 Ns

Q 06
Find the algebraic summation of the following forces along x and y axes.

y y y
(i) (ii) (iii)

6N
8N 6N P

600 300 300 θ

x x x
450
α

10 N
Q

→ → →
x = x = x =
→

y = y = y =

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Q 07
→
(a) The magnitude of the vector B represented in the co-ordinate plane on the right is √13 N'

(i) What is the magnitude and direction of the horizontal compo-

→
nent of the vector B

(ii) What is the magnitude

→ and direction of the vertical component
of the vector B

(iii) What is the magnitude and direction of the horizontal compo-

→
nent of the vector A

(iv) What is the magnitude and direction of the vertical component

→
of the vector A

(v) State the magnitudes and directions of the horizontal and verti-
→
cal components of the vector C

THEORY 03

The Resultant of Vectors (R)

The single vector which can exert the same effect brought about by several vectors of the same
type, is known as the resultant of those vectors.

For an example, since force is a vector, the single force which can create the same effect
brought about by a system of forces, is known as the resultant force of those forces.

Addition of two Vectors

Two homogeneous vectors can be added together. Since vectors posses a direction, they cannot
be added like scalars. Sum of two vectors is known as the resultant vector.

Summation of two vectors is also a vector. That is known as the resultant of two vectors

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 (a). Sum of two vectors acting towards the same direction

If F is the resultant of two forces F1 = 2N , F2 = F2 = 5N

5 N acting towards the same direction, F1 = 2N

Resultant of two forces F1 and F2 acting in the

same direction.

F1 = 2N F2 = 5N

F = F1 + F2
=7N

(b). Summation of two vectors acting in opposite direction to each other

If F is the resultant of two forces F1 = 12 N and F2 = 4 N

F1 = 12 N
F2 = 4 N acting in directions opposite to each other,

F acts in the direction of greater force out of F1 and F2.

F1 = 12 N
F = F1 - F2
= (12 - 4) N
=8N
F F2 = 4 N

There are several ways of vector addition

(a). Triangle law of Vector Additions

Graphically represent the given vectors in two adjacent sides of a triangle. Then the resultant
is indicated by the third side of the triangle. That means, the magnitude of the resultant is
indicated by the length of the third side , while its direction is indicated by the direction of the
third side.
C
R= a + b
>> >b
>b
θ
A >a
B
θ a
> → → →
AB + BC = AC

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 (b). Paralle logr am law of vector additions

When the two vectors to be added are indicated geometrically by two adjacent sides of a parallelogram ,
the resultant is graphically represented by the diagonal going through the origin of those two sides.
Here,
D D C

b R
b >>
a θ α
θ
A B A a B

→ → →
AB = a , AD = b AC = R (Resultant)

(c). Graphical method of addition of three vectors

Three vectors to be added are graphically indicated by three respective sides of a quadrilateral. the
resultant is thus obtained by completing the fourth side of the quadrilateral.
D
c → → →
R = AB + BC + CD
R C → →
>>

R = AC + CD
c b →
a b R = AD
a
A
B

(d). Polygon law of vector additions

Adding n number of vectors.

Vectors to be added are graphically constructed by means of n c

number of respective sides of a polygon having n + 1 number of Terminal
sides. point

Note
<<

R b
If the polygon was properly completed and ended up in the form
of a regular polygon completion of the construction of the n num- Initial point a
ber of vectors , that means the resultant is zero. Hence R = 0

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 zero vector / Null Vector
Vectors whose magnitude is zero , are known as null vectors. Here the null vectors can have any direction
as desired.

Resultant of two vectors whose directions are not parallel to each other , can be determined by a
graphical method. Two methods could be followed for that,

1'cConstructing a triangle or 2' Constructing a Parallelogram

1. Triangular method
Eg :- An aeroplane flies a distance of 500 km from point O in the Eastward direction. Then it further
moves 600 km towards a direction inclined anticlockwise by 600. Determine the resultant displacement
from O to the terminal point.

Solution

Step - 1 Step (1)

O A
Draw a 5.0 cm long line OA to indicate the displacement of S1 = 500 km
S1 = 500 km towards the east.
B
Note Step (2)
S2 = 600 km
All lengths and angles must be correctly drawn to a proper scale. 600
O
S1 = 500 km A
Step - 2

To indicate the displacement of S2 = 600 km , draw the line AB from

A , inclined by 600 anticlockwise to the initial direction

Step - 3 B

Complete the triangle OAB. Resultant S

Step (3) S2 = 600 km
Line OB indicates the resultant displacement in its magnitude and
direction. Measure the length OB and the angle BOA. Resultant 600
O
displacement is 950 km along a direction inclined by 340 to the S1 = 500 km A
direction of the initial displacement.

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 15 -

 2. Parallelogram method.

Determination of the resultant force of two forces acting on point O , by 600 to each other.

Solution B

Step - 01 F2 = 30 N

600
Draw a line OA which is 4.0 cm long, to indicate the force F1=40N. O A
F1 = 40 N

Step - 02
In order to indicate the force F2 = 30 N which is 600 from F1 , draw
the line OB = 3.0 cm from O along a direction inclined by 600 to
OA.

Step - 03 B C

mshjr 3" Complete the parallelogram OACB by, F2 = 30 N F2

+
(i) Drawing the line BC parallel to OA Step (2) F1 4)
t e p( Step (3)
(ii) Drawing the line AC parallel to OB S
600
O A
F1 = 40 N
Step - 04 Step (1)

Join the diagonal OC. That indicates the resultant force in its magnitude and direction. Measure
the length of the diagonal OC and the angle AOC. A resultant force of 60 N acts by an inclina-
tion of 240 to the force F1. Most accurate value for the resultant is about 60.8 N.

Q 08
(i) What is obtained by the sum of any two or more homogenous vectors ?

(ii) Can vectors be added in a manner similar to scalar addition ?

(iii) What is meant by the resultant vector ?

(iv) What is the resultant vector of the two vectors acting in the same direction?

F1
R
F2

(a) magnitude of resultant (b) direction of resultant

(v) A
F1

F2 B

Two students A and B on dragging a large rock by exerting two forces F1 = 1000 N and F2 = 1500 N in the
same direction. Find the resultant of the two forces.
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 16 -
 (vi) What is the resultant of the two vectors acting in the opposite directions ?

F1 > F2
F1
F2

(a) Magnitude of resultant (b) Direction of resultant

(vii)
A B

F1 F2

Two students A and B are pulling a large wooden block to two opposite side.

(a). When F1 = 1000 and F2 = 500 N (b). When F1= 500 and F2 = 750 N

(c). When F1 = 1500 " F2 = 1500 N

Find the resultant magnitude and direction.

Q 09
The resultant of two vectors expressed geometrically by considering the magnitude and direction by two
sides of a triangle, is represented by the third side.

b R
b
⇒
θ α θ
a A a B

(i) What is the name of this law of the over?

(ii) An insect is climbing a building. If the location of it is defined in

relation to its initial position by means of the co-ordinates, the
magnitude and direction of the vector of the position 'r' is equal to,
(x = 60 mm , y = 80 mm)

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 17 -

 y/m
Q 10
i). Find the angles θ1 and θ2 and the magnitudes of the
3
vecotors A and B represented in the given
2
co-ordinate plane.
1
|A| = --------------- A
θ1
θ 21 x/m
-2 -1 0 2 3
θ1 = ---------------
-1

| B | = ---------------- B
-2

θ2 = ---------------

ii). Use a suitable sonstruction to find the magnitude of the sum ( A + B ) vector and the angle made by it
with the horizontal (x - axis)
magnitude
angle made with the x axis

Q 11
A man walks 5m towards 300 North of east and then he walks 10 m towards 600 North of west.

a). The following diagram is drawn by considering A as

B1
the initial position. What is the vector which shows
C
his total displacement?
(Write in vector symbols)

b). (i). How much is A1 ?

B B2
(ii) How much is A2 ?
600
(iii) How much is B1 ? B

(iv) How much is B2 ? A

A2

(c).(i). Using the answers in (b), find the value of (R1) vector 300
in the → direction, which represents the resultant A A1
total displacement of the man.

(ii). What is the magnitude of the vector towards ↑ direction which gives the total resultant of the displacement?

(iii). Using above (i) and (ii) parts, find the magnitude of R.

(d).(i). Find the relevant angle to demonstrate the direction of the resultant vector.

(ii). (i) By using the above answer, express the direction of the vector.

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 18 -

Q 12
(a) The magnitude of the vector B represented by the co-ordinate plane or the right is 6 ms-1.
→ → →
(i) Find the magnitudes of the vectors A , C and D

→
|A| =

→
|C| =

→
|D| =

→ → → →
(i) Express the vector (A + B + C + D) in the same
co-ordinate plane above.

→ → → →
(iii) Thus calculate the magnitude on the vector (A + B + C + D)

→→ → →
(iv) If the angle made by the vector (A + B + C + D) with the horizontal is ω , what is value of tan (ω)?

SPEED MCQ TEST - 02

1. The diagram which correctly represent P and Q vectors and the summation of (P + Q) vectors in dotted
lines is,

(P + Q) (P + Q)
Q Q Q
(P + Q)

P P P

1). 2). 3).

Q Q (P + Q)
(P + Q)

P P
4). 5).

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 19 -

2. Two forces of 3N and 4N act perpendicularly on an object. The correct
vector diagram which represents the magnitude and the direction of the
resultant is,
4N

5N 5N 3N
5N
4N 4N 4N

3N 3N 3N
1). 2). 3).

3N

5N
4N
4N
5N

3N
4). 5).
P
3. A wheel rolls without being slipped. If the diagrams show
the consecutive positions of a particle P, the displacement
of that particle during the given time is, (the radius of
the wheel is r)
1). 2 √2 r 2). 4 r 3). r 4 + π2 P
4). (π + 2) r 5). 2π + r

4. When four coplanar forces act on O as given in the diagram,

the direction of the resultant force can be,

1). 2). 3).

O

4). 5).

5. C
B Three vectors OA , OB and OC are represented in a circle of radius "r"
as shown in the diagram. IF O is the centre of the circle, the addition of
these 3 vectors is,
O A
1). 3 (OA) 2). 3 (OB) 3). (√2 + 1) OB
4). (√2 + 1) OA 5). √2 OB

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 20 -

6. Six coplanar forces act on the point O. A
The single force which represents all six forces is,
F3 F2
1). OA
2). OB O
F4 F1
3). OC
4). OD E
B C
5). OE

F5 F6

07. The vectors AB , BC , CD , BD, AD , ED , EF , AE and FA D

act on a regular hexagon as shown in the diagram. E D

The resultant of those eight vectors is,

1). 3 AD 2). 4 AD 3). 2 AD F C

4). AD 5). O
A B
8.
E D
Five forces AB , AC , AD , AE and AF act on a regular pentagon

ABCDEF. The resultant of these forces is,

F C

1). 2 AE 2). 3 AF 3). 3 AD

A B
4). 2 AC 5). 5 AB

9. As shown in the diagram, the resultant vector of the given B C G

seven vectors AB , BC , CD , DE , EF , AG and GF is, F

A
1). 2 AF 2). 3 CD 3). AF

4). 3 AF 5). 2 BE

D E

A B
10.
As in the diagram, eight forces of OA , AB , BC , CD , ED , OE and FD
act. The summation of those is,
D C
1). O 2). 3 OD 3). 2 OD
O E
4). 2 OA 5). 3 OA

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 21 -

THEORY 04

(Arithmetical Detormination of the Magnitude and Direction of the

Resultant Vector)
Let's find the resultant of two vectors P and Q inclined by an angle θ to each other.
BD = Q Cos θ , DC = Q Sin θ
AC 2 = AD 2 + DC 2
AC 2 = (P + Q Cos θ) 2 + (Q Sin θ) 2
AC 2 = P 2 + 2PQ Cos θ + Q 2 Cos 2 θ + Q 2 Sin 2 θ
AC 2 = P 2 + 2PQ Cos θ + Q 2 (Cos 2 θ + Sin 2 θ) C
(Cos 2 θ + Sin 2 θ) = 1
R 2 = P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ Cos θ This is the magnitude of the resultant. R
>> Q Q Sin θ

R = P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ Cos θ α θ
A B Q Cos θ
D
P
iïm% h q l a ; fha ÈYdj'
Take the angle subtended by the resultant with P as α.
Tan α = CD
AD
Tan α = Q Sin θ
P + Q Cos θ

α = Tan -1 θ
( P + QQ Sin
Cos θ )

The resultant if two vectors are perpendicular to each other.

R
y >> y
R
θ
x x
Y 2
Tan θ = /X R = X + Y2
2

θ = Tan -1 (Y/X) R = X2+Y2

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 22 -

Q 13
(i) The magnitude and direction of the resultant of two vectors which are perpendicular to each other.

R R
Q

⇒
θ θ

P P

(a) What is the magnitude of the resultant?

(b) What is the direction of the resultant ?

(c) Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of two velocities 8 ms-1 and 6 ms-1 acting
towards two perpendicular directions to each other.

(d) Find the magnitude of the vector Q Q=?

(ii) R = 14 N
C
Q
R
R θ
Q
⇒ P = 13 N
θ α θ
P A P B D

(a) Express the length of the side BD in terms of Q and θ'

(b) Express the length of the side CD in terms of Q and θ'

(c) Obtain an expression for R in terms of P , Q and θ'

(d) Build up an expression for the resultant direction in terms of α.

(e) Find R if, P = 7 N , Q = 8 N and θ = 600

(f) Find R if, P = 5 N , Q = 9 N and θ = 1200'

(iii) If the angle that should be present between the two equal forces (A + B) and (A - B) for the resultant to be
√A2 + B2 is θ, show that,

A2 + B2
cos θ =
2 (B2 - A2)

(iii) The magnitude of the resultant of two forces P and Q which make an angle of θ is equal to (2m +1) P2 + Q2.
When those forces act by an angle (900 - θ), the resultant is (2m - 1) P2 + Q2.
m-1
Show that, Tan θ =
m +1
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 23 -
 SPEED MCQ TEST - 03
1. The resultant of two vectors which act at an angle of 600 is 2√3. If one of those two is 2 units, what is the
magnitude of the other?
(1). 2 /3 (2). 2 (3). 3 /2 (4). 2 /2 (5). /2

2. If two vectors act perpendicularly their resultant is /10 units. If those two act at an angle 600, to each other
their resultant is √13 units. Give the magnitudes of the two vectors
(1). 3 . 1 (2). 2 . 3 (3). 4. 3 (4). 3. 4 (5). 1. 1

3. What is the angle which must be present between two vectors with the same magnitude in order to get the
resultant equal to the value of one vector?
(1). 300 (2). 600 (3). 900 (4). 1200 (5). 500

4. What is the angle between the two vectors where the resultant will be equal to half the magnitude of one
vector?
(1) sin-1 ^7$8& (2) sin-1 ^-7$8& (3) sin-1 ^8$7& ^4&' cos-1 ^7$8& (5)cos-1 ^-7$8&

5. Two balls roll along a horizontal plane. One ball has the velocity components 1 ms-1 and √3 ms-1 along the
x and y axes respectively. Those of the other are 2 ms-1 each. If both balls started to move from the same
point, the angle between their direction of the motion is,
(1). 150 (2). 300 (3). 450 (4). 600 (5). 900

THEORY 05
Determination of the resultant of a co-planar system of vectors.

P2 P1 Y
R Y
θ2 θ1 R
θ3 θ4 α α
X X
P3 P4

w Select two suitable axes perpendicular to each other which exist in the same plane of the given system of
vectors.
w Resolve all those given vectors along these two directions.

Resolution along the X axis Resolution along the Y axis

X = P1 Cos θ1 - P2 Cos θ2 - P3 Cos θ3 + P4 Cos θ4 Y = P1 Sin θ1 + P2 Sin θ2 - P3 Sin θ3 - P4 Sin θ4

w When you seperately obtained the vector summation of the vector components along the X - axis , and the
summation of the vector components along the Y - axis , the vector system has already been simplified
into the two vectors perpendicular to each other.

w Now the resultant of the system of vectors can be obtained by finding out the resultant of those two
perpendicular vectors.

R 2 = X2 + Y2 Tan α = Y/X
R = X2 + Y2 α = Tan-1 (Y/X)
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 24 -
Q 14
The following is a coplanar system of vectors.

P1
P2

θ2 θ1

θ3 θ4 x

P4
P3

First select two suitable axes that exist in the same plane as the vectors and which are perpendicular to each
other. Then resolve all the forces along these axes.

(i) Resolve the forces along the X axis and obtain the algebraic sum of all the components of the vectors along
that axis.

(ii) Resolve the forces along the Y axis and obtain the algebrais sum of the vector components.

(iii) Now the vector system has been simplified to two perpendicular components. What is the resultant of those
two component.

R R
Y
⇒
θ θ

X X

(iv) What is the direction of the resultant vector ?

Q 15
Find the magnitude and the direction of the resultant of the coplanar
force system. √3
6√

^Ans" R = 10 , θ = 600 & 2

√3
4√
600 300
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
2 300 600 4
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' √3
2√
2
√3
2√

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 25 -

Q 16
8
√3
2√
Find the magnitude and the direction of the resultant of this force
√2
4√
system.
√3
2√ 600 450 ^Ans" R = 2 39 ,
2 450 300 √3
6√ θ = Tan-1 (3√3 / 5) &

√2
2√ 4
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
2

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Q 17
6
D C
A force system which acts on an object is shown in the diagram 45 0
√2
2√
along the sides of the square ABCD. Find the magnitude and the 450

direction of the resultant of this system.

4 2
^Ans" R = 14 √2 , θ = 450 & √2
6√
450
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 45 0 450
A B
4
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

SPEED MCQ TEST - 04

1. Four vectors having units 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 act towards the directions North , South , East and West. Their
magnitude and the direction of their resultant is,
(1). 2 /2 towards south east (2). /2 to north east (3). /2 towards south west
(4). /2 towards north west (5). /2 towards south east
O
2. A stationary particle P which can move freely is subjected to four R P
coplanar forces. Then it, 5N
10N
(1). Moves along PS
450 450 W
(2). Moves along PU S
P 3N
(3). Moves along PV
(4). Moves along PQ /2
(5). Stay still T 15 N V
U /2

3. The answer which shows the magnitudes of the X and Y com-

ponents in order is, Y
20
(1). 60 - 15√3 + 5√2 , 45 − 20√3 + 5√2 30
10
(2). 40 - 15√3 + 5√2 , 25 − 20√3 + 5√2 10 600
450
(3). 25 - 20√3 + 5√2 , 40 − 15√3 + 5√2 600 30
X
(4). 40 + 15√3 + 5√2 , 25 − 20√3 + 5√2
(5). 40 - 15√3 + 5√2 , 25 + 20√3 + 5√2 40
10

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 26 -

THEORY 06

Shortest method of determination of the resultant of two equal vectors.

w Consider the resultant of two equal vectors P Sin(θ/2) P

exists bisecting the angle (θ) between the two
2
vectors. θ/ R = 2P Cos(θ/2)
θ/2
P
w Resolve each vector P , along the line of bisection and
perpendicular to it.
P Sin(θ/2)
w Since the two vector components perpendicular to the
line of bisection are equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction , they get cancelled off by each other.

w Hence the remaining resultant would be 2P Cos(θ/2) which is the sum of the two
components along the direction of the bisector.

θ/2)
R = 2P Cos (θ

Difference of two vectors

w When deducting one vector from another , the direction of the vector to be reduced has to be reversed
and added
P P
Q
P -Q P-Q
θ P-Q -Q

P - Q = P + (-Q) According to the parallelogram law According to the triangular law

Q 18 D C

F R
R F
⇒ O F
θ/2 θ/2
θ/2 θ/2 θ
F A F B

(i) What can be said about the direction of the resultant of two equal vectors ?
F
(ii) What geometrical shape will the vector parallelogram drawn based
on teh above equal vectors ; acquire ? R

(iii) Obtain an expression for the result of the sum of two equal vec- θ/2
tors
θ/2

(iv) Obtain an expression for R using the following diagram. F

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 27 -

 (v) When θ = 600
Magnitude of the sum of the two vectors
F
(a)
60 0

When θ = 900
Magnitude of the sum of the two vectors

F
(b)

When θ = 1200
Magnitude of the sum of the two vectors

(c)
F 120 0

Q 19
(i) What is meant by the subtract of a vector from another vector ?

D C
(ii)
F2
F2
⇒
θ

F1 A B
F1

(a) What side represents the vector F1 + F2

(b) What side represents the vector F1 - F2

(c) What is the value of F1 - F2 when |F1| = |F2| = F ?

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 28 -

 (iii) θ = 60 0
The magnitude of the difference between
the 2 vectors
F
(a)
60 0

60 0 F
60 0
direction (F - F)

θ = 90 0
The magnitude of the difference between
the 2 vectors
F
(b)

direction of (F - F)

θ = 1200
The magnitude of the difference between
(c) the two vectors
F 120 0

-F
Direction
of (F - F)

(iv) Build up an expression for the velocity difference between the points P and Q of a particle which is under-
going circular motion with a tangential speed of 'υ'. (For υQ - υP)

θ
O

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 29 -

Q 20
i). Two vectors C and D are represented on the coordinate plane. Write the magnitudes of those two
vectors and measure the angle which they make with the horizontal.

C 2

x
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

-2

-4

Magnitude of C #- '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' angle subtended by C with the x axis #- '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Magnitude of C #- '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' angle subtended by D with the x axis #- '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

ii). Find the magnitude of C + D and the angle that it subtends with the horizontal.

Q 21
(a) The horizontal and vertical values of a small square in the
cartesian plane expressed on the right is 2 N each. The vectors
→ →
A and B are expressed as in the diagram A?
→
(i) What is the magnitude of the vector A

→
(ii) If the angle made by the vecor A with the horizontal is x , than
x will be equal to?
→
(iii) What is the magnitude of the vector B

→ →
(iv) Express the vector A + B in the above figure.

→ →
(v) Calculate the value of |A + B|

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 30 -

 → →
(b)(i) Express the vector (A + B) in the same figure.

→ →
(ii) Calculate the value of |A - B|

→ →
(iii) If the angle made by the vector (A - B) with the horizontal is z , what is the value of tan z?

Consider the following question which explains how to find a vector quantity.

Q 22
(a) Does the final result depend on the order in which the vector quantities are added?
(b) An object is displaced first 4m to the West, then 2m to North and finally 5m to East, obtain the resultant
displacement according to the situations given below.
(i) +4 m displacement to West +2 to North +5m to East

(ii) +2m to North + 4m to West +5m to East

(iii) +5m to East +2m to North +4m to West.

(iv) What properties do the displacement obey when we consider the above facts.

Q 23
Lets do the following activity to clarify whether the angular velocity is a vector or a scalar.

Consider that the object is rotated by 900 around each axis.

(a)(i) Around which axis is the object rotated?

Name the rotating plane.

(ii) Around which axis is the object rotated?

Name the rotating plane.

(iii) What is the plane which the book is on?

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 31 -

 (b)(i)
Name the axis around which the object is rotated and name the plane
which it is on?

(ii)

Name the axis around which the object is rotated and name the plane
which it is on?

(iii)

Name the plane which the book is on, as in the third diagram?

(c) What is the conclusion with regard to angular displacement that can be arrived from the above facts?

SPEED MCQ TEST - 05

1. Select the response which contains a vector and a scalar respectively,

(1) force , displacement (2) power , pressure
(3) pressure , stress (4) gravitational field intensity , force
(5) electric field intensity , electrical potential

→
2. The following cartesian plane represents 4 vectors A ,
→ → →
B , Q and R. Three statements made regarding them
→ →
are as follows. |A| = |B|

→
(A) Q = 0.5 A
→
(B) R = 1.5 A
→
(C) R = 3 Q

Which of the above is/are true,

(1) A only' (2) A andB only' (3) A andC only'
(4) All of the above (5) None of the above

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 32 -

3. Four vectors are expressed in a co-ordinate plane as follows.
→
The magnitude of the vector A is 16 N. The magnitude of the
→ →→
vector (B + C - A) will be,

(1) 4 √2 N (2) 2 N (3) 2 √2 N

(4) 6 √2 N (5) 8 N

4. The following represents 6 forces acting on a point 'O' with

their magnitudes and direction. Which of the following repre-
sents the magnitude and direction of the sum of the horizontal
components of all those vectors?

5. The resultant magnitude and direction of the force acting on the point O is,

6. Two vectors of equal magnitudes acton a point O in 4 ways as represented below with varying angles.

The response which expresses the ascending order of the magnitudes of the resultants will be,
(1) b < a < c < d (2) d < c , b < a (3) d < a < b < c
(4) a < d < b < c (5) a < c < d < c

7. A particle moves in a certain circular path in a manner as represented

→" and
in the figure. The difference of the velocity from A to B is ∆VAB
that between A and C is ∆VAC " →

→
magnitude of ∆VAB will be equal to,
magnitude of ∆V→
AC

1 2
(1) (2) (3) √3
1 √3

1 1
(4) (5)
√3 2
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 33 -
8. The following represents co-ordinate plane with five coplanar
forces. The magnitude of the resultant of those forces will be
euqal to,
(1) 0 (2) √2 N (3) √13 N
(4) 2 N (5) 2 √13 N

SPEED MCQ TEST - 01 SPEED MCQ TEST - 02 SPEED MCQ TEST - 03

Solution Solution Solution
(1) - 4 (1) - 3 (1) - 2
(2) - 2 (2) - 4 (2) - 1
(3) - 4 (3) - 3 (3) - 4
(4) - 5 (4) - 4 (4) - 5
(5) - 5 (5) - 3 (5) - 1
(6) - 5 (6) - 3
(7) - 5 (7) - 1
(8) - 5 (8) - 3
(9) - 4 (9) - 1
(10) - 2 (10) - 2

SPEED MCQ TEST - 04 SPEED MCQ TEST - 05

Solution Solution
(1) - 5 (6) - 3
(1) - 3 (2) - 1 (7) - 4
(2) - 1 (3) - 1 (8) - 5
(3) - 2 (4) - 3
(5) - 2

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 34 -

ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 35 -
ADVANCED LEVEL - PHYSICS - AMITH PUSSELLA - 36 -