By-mdshaikh.

online
 The Parallelogram
Law of Vector
Addition
The Parallelogram Law of Vector
Addition stands as a foundational
principle within the realms of physics
and mathematics. It presents both a
graphical and mathematical approach
for the combination of two vectors,
ultimately yielding their resultant
vector. This principle proves especially
valuable when working with entities
possessing both magnitude and
direction, exemplified by quantities like
force, velocity, and displacement.

By-mdshaikh.online
 Understanding and Applying the
Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition
in Practical Scenarios

● Vectors: Vectors are entities characterized

by both magnitude (extent) and direction.
Typically depicted as arrows, their length
signifies magnitude, while their orientation
conveys the vector's direction.

● Vector Addition: The Parallelogram Law

becomes relevant when there's a necessity to
merge multiple vectors into a solitary
resultant vector. According to this law, if
two vectors find their representation as
adjacent sides of a parallelogram, the
diagonal that traverses through the
intersection point of the vectors symbolizes
the resultant vector.

By-mdshaikh.online
 ● Mathematical Representation: From a
mathematical perspective, the resultant
vector R derived from two vectors A and B
can be determined utilizing the
Parallelogram Law in the subsequent
manner:

R=A+B

To graphically represent this, draw vectors

A and B with their tails at the same point.
Complete the parallelogram with A and B as
two adjacent sides. The diagonal of the
parallelogram starting from the common
point of A and B represents R.

● Triangle Law of Vector Addition: A

special case of the Parallelogram Law is the
Triangle Law. If we have two vectors A and
B, their resultant vector R can also be found
using the Triangle Law:

By-mdshaikh.online
 R=A+B

● In this case, you simply draw vector A

followed by vector B with their tails at the
same point. The vector from the starting
point of A to the ending point of B
represents R.

● Properties: The Parallelogram Law obeys

the commutative property, meaning the
order in which vectors are added does not
affect the result:

A+B=B+A

Additionally, it follows the associative

property, which means that the grouping of
vectors for addition doesn't affect the result:

A + (B + C) = (A*+ B) + C

By-mdshaikh.online
 Practical Applications

The Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition is

widely used in physics and engineering to analyse
and solve problems involving forces, velocities,
and displacements. It's employed in various fields,
such as mechanics to calculate the net force acting
on an object, in navigation to find the resultant
velocity of a moving object, and in structural
engineering to determine the resultant force on a
structure.

In summary, the Parallelogram Law of Vector

Addition is a powerful tool for combining vectors
to find their resultant. It simplifies complex vector
problems and is essential for understanding and
solving real-world physical and engineering
challenges.

By-mdshaikh.online
 Let two vectors P and Q act simultaneously on a
particle O at an angle . They are represented in
magnitude and direction by the adjacent sides
OA and OB of a parallelogram OACB drawn from
a point O. Then the diagonal OC passing through
O, will represent the resultant R in magnitude and
direction.
On a Gravesend’s apparatus, if the body of
unknown weight (say S) is suspended from the
middle hanger and balancing weights P and Q are
suspended from other two hangers then,

By-mdshaikh.online
 The unknown weight can be calculated from the
equation (1).
On a Gravesend’s apparatus, if the body of
unknown weight (say S) is suspended from the
middle hanger and balancing weights.

P and Q are suspended from the other two

hangers then,

By-mdshaikh.online
 Now construct a parallelogram OACB by
assuming a scale (say 1cm=50 gwt) corresponding
to the weights P and Q. The diagonal of the
parallelogram OC will give the resultant vector.
The weight of the unknown body,

If W is the actual weight of the body, then the

percentage error in the experiment can be
calculated using the equation,

By-mdshaikh.online
 By-mdshaikh.online

By-mdshaikh.online