PROPERTIES OF ZERO VECTOR

 When a vector is added to zero vector, we get the same vector. (

 When a vector is multiplied by zero, we get a zero vector. ()

 When a real number is multipied by a zero vector, we get zero vector. (n)

Egs: (i) position vector of a particle lying at the origin is a zero vector.

(ii) velocity vector of a stationary object is a zero vector.

MULTIPLICATION OF A VECTOR BY A REAL NUMBER

When a vector is multiplied by a real number , we get another vector . If is positive, then
the direction of is the same as that of . If is negative, then the direction of is opposite to
that of
 LAWS OF VECTOR ADDITION
1. TRIANGLE LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

If two vectors are represented both in magnitude and direction by the two sides of a
triangle taken in the same order, then their resultant is represented completely by the third
side of the triangle taken in the reverse order.
2. PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

If two vectors are represented both in magnitude and direction by the two adjacent sides
of a parallelogram 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.
POLYGON LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

If a number of vectors are represented both in magnitude and direction by the sides of an
open polygon taken in the same order, then their resultant is represented both in
magnitude and direction by the closing side of the polygon taken in the reverse order.
PROVE THAT VECTOR ADDITION IS COMMUTATIVE
Commutative property states that the sum of the two vectors remains the same in
whatever order they may be added.

In triangle QPS,

In triangle QRS,

Hence proved.
 PROVE THAT VECTOR ADDITION IS ASSOCIATIVE

Associative property states that the sum of the vectors remains the same in
whatever grouping they are added.
Using triangle law,
In
In )+
In
In + ). Hence proved.
 ANALYTICAL METHOD OF VECTOR ADDITION
Q. Using parallelogram law, derive an expression for the magnitude and direction
of the resultant of two vectors inclined at an angle . What will be the magnitude
and direction of the resultant if (i) (ii) (iii) ?

Magnitude of

Draw a perpendicular QN to OP produced.

Take the right triangle QNP .

∴𝑄𝑁= 𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
 Triangle ONQ,

This is the law of cosines.

This is the expression for the magnitude of resultant , R.

Direction of R

Triangle ONQ, (here is the angle between and )

Special Cases:

Case 1: are along the same direction)

Resultant vector R also acts along the same direction.

Case 2: ( are perpendicular to each other)

Direction of R: If then and . Then R acts at an angle of with either vector A or vector B.

Case 3:

Direction of R: R acts along the direction of the greater vector.

NOTE: The magnitude of the resultant of two vectors is maximum when they are in the
same direction and minimum when they are in opposite directions.
LAW OF SINES

𝑅 𝐵
=
So, OR 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛼

So, =
=
Equating we get,

This is the law of sines