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.
WN EN

NW NE
W E
SW SE
WS ES

The following are negative

directions by convention: down, left
backward, south, and west. S
Methods of Vector Addition: Finding the Resultant

A. Graphical Method
A.1 Polygon Method
B
1. Draw (to scale) the vectors B
head-to-tail.

2. The resultant is drawn from the R

beginning of the first vector to A
y
the end of the last vector.

3. The magnitude and direction of A R

x
the resultant are measured
using a ruler and a protractor.
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. B
3. The resultant is drawn from
point o to meeting point of the R
two parallel sides.
4. The magnitude and direction of A
the resultant are measured
using a ruler and a protractor. A R B
o
B. Analytical Method
Bx
B.1 Component Method
B
B
By
1. Resolve each vector in B
their x and y components.
2. Get the summation of all
x components x and R y
the summation of all y A
Ay
components y.
y
3. Use the Pythagorean
Theorem to find the A R
x
resultant of the vectors. Ax x
4. Use trigonometric
functions (sine, cosine, or
tangent) to find the angle
of the direction of the
resultant.
 Bx Bx
B B
By B
By
B B
A
Ay
B x = B cosB
y B y = B sinB
A R
A
Ay
y Ax
A x = A cosA
A R
x A y = A sinA
Ax x
R
y
x = Ax + Bx tan R = y / x
y = Ay + By
sin R = y / R
R= x
2 + y2 cos R = x / R
R
x
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 A y
the end of the last vector.
b
3. The magnitude and direction of x
the resultant are determined
using cosine or sine law.
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 one-
hour 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= (60km) 2 + (80km)2 = 100 km

R
R = tan -1 (80 km / 60 km) = 53o

R = 100 km, 53o NE

R

(b) Vave = (80 km + 60 km) / 1 hr

Vave = 140 km / hr
Finding the Resultant

Finding a missing vector

Example 3. A motorcycle rider starts off his
motorbike ride, in front of a gas station. From there
he travels 2.1 km west, then 1.5 km 60 east of
south, then 3.5 km east. After a fourth unknown
displacement he is once again in front of the same
gas station where he started. Use the component
method to determine the missing fourth
displacement (magnitude & direction).