Adding 2 vectors together graphically

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In summary, when adding 2 vectors together graphically, the following may be done: moving a vector, rotating a vector, changing the length of a vector, and changing the angle between the vectors. In order to find the sum of two vectors, one must sketch them individually and then sketch their addition, which can involve any of the four actions listed above.
  • #1
Ally385
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Homework Statement


When adding 2 vectors together graphically, which of the following may be done?
A) moving a vector
B) rotating a vector
C) changing the length of a vector
D) changing the angle between the vectors


Homework Equations


a = ax +ay


The Attempt at a Solution


I think it's rotating a vector but I'm not certain.
 
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  • #2
Ally385 said:

Homework Statement


When adding 2 vectors together graphically, which of the following may be done?
A) moving a vector
B) rotating a vector
C) changing the length of a vector
D) changing the angle between the vectors


Homework Equations


a = ax +ay


The Attempt at a Solution


I think it's rotating a vector but I'm not certain.

Welcome to the PF.

Why do you say that?

Take two vectors, sketch them individually, and then sketch their addition. What did you do when you sketched their addition?

A = [1,1]
B = [2,3]
C = ? (sketch the answer...)
 

FAQ: Adding 2 vectors together graphically

How do you add two vectors together graphically?

To add two vectors together graphically, you first need to draw the two vectors on a graph, with their tails at the same point. Then, draw a third vector starting from the head of the first vector and ending at the head of the second vector. This third vector represents the sum of the two original vectors.

What is the purpose of adding two vectors together graphically?

The purpose of adding two vectors together graphically is to determine the resultant vector, which represents the combined effect of the two original vectors. This is useful in many scientific fields, such as physics and engineering, where vector addition is used to calculate forces and velocities.

Can vectors with different magnitudes be added together graphically?

Yes, vectors with different magnitudes can be added together graphically. The length of the resultant vector will depend on the magnitudes and directions of the original vectors. Adding vectors with different magnitudes is similar to adding numbers with different values, where the final result is a combination of both values.

How do you determine the direction of the resultant vector when adding two vectors together graphically?

The direction of the resultant vector can be determined by drawing a line from the tail to the head of the resultant vector. This line represents the direction of the resultant vector. Alternatively, you can use trigonometric functions to calculate the angle of the resultant vector.

Is it possible to add more than two vectors together graphically?

Yes, it is possible to add more than two vectors together graphically. To add multiple vectors, you can use the same method of drawing the vectors on a graph and connecting them in a head-to-tail manner. The resultant vector will be the sum of all the original vectors.

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