Definition of terms Finding the Resultant by Graphical and Analytical Solution

Vectors and Scalars

Scalar Quantity a quantity that can be completely described by giving its magnitude only. Example: speed, time, energy, temperature Vector Quantity a quantity that can be completely described by giving its magnitude and direction. Example: velocity, force, acceleration, momentum Resultant Vector a single vector which has the same effect has two or more vectors combined. Equilibrant Vector a single vector which balances two or more vectors combined. Has the same magnitude as the resultant vector but in the opposite direction.

Direction Convention
N

The following are positive directions by convention: up, right, forward, north, and east.
W

WN EN

NW
SW WS ES

NE SE

The following are negative directions by convention: down, left backward, south, and west.

Methods of Vector Addition: Finding the Resultant A. Graphical Method A.1 Polygon Method
B

1. Draw (to scale) the vectors head-to-tail.

2. The resultant is drawn from the beginning of the first vector to the end of the last vector. 3. The magnitude and direction of the resultant are measured using a ruler and a protractor.

R A y

A. Graphical Method A.2 Parallelogram Method - applicable to 2 vectors only 1. Draw (to scale) the vectors at common origin (point o). 2. Make a parallelogram by constructing the sides parallel to the 2 vectors. 3. The resultant is drawn from point o to meeting point of the two parallel sides. 4. The magnitude and direction of the resultant are measured using a ruler and a protractor.

R A B o

B. Analytical Method B.1 Component Method

1. Resolve each vector in their x and y components. 2. Get the summation of all x components x and the summation of all y components y. 3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the resultant of the vectors. 4. Use trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, or tangent) to find the angle of the direction of the resultant.
By B

Bx B

A
Ay y A Ax R

Bx By B B Ay R B By A

Bx

B
B

A Ay

y
A Ax

B x = B cosB B y = B sinB

y
A R Ax

A x = A cosA x
x

A y = A sinA
R

x = Ax + Bx y = Ay + By R=

tan R = y / x sin R = y / R cos R = x / R

R

2 x

+ y2

B. Analytical Method B.2 Triangle Method - applicable to 2 vectors only

a

1.

Draw the vectors head-to-tail. (scale not necessary)

r R

2. The resultant is drawn from the beginning of the first vector to the end of the last vector. 3. The magnitude and direction of the resultant are determined using cosine or sine law.

b
x

Finding the Resultant

EXAMPLE: 1. A small boat travels 80.0 km north and then travels 60.0 km east in 1.0 hr. (a) What is the boats displacement for onehour trip? (b) What is the boats average speed during the one-hour trip?
(a) x = 60 km + 0 = 60 km
y = 0 + 80 km = 80 km R= R

(60km)

+ (80km)2 = 100 km

R = tan -1 (80 km / 60 km) = 53o R = 100 km, 53o NE (b) Vave = (80 km + 60 km) / 1 hr

Vave = 140 km / hr

Finding the Resultant