What is the Law of Cosines and how can it be used to solve vector sums?

  • Thread starter Fazan Mushtaq
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sum Vectors
In summary, vectors are mathematical objects that have both magnitude and direction and are often represented as arrows in two or three-dimensional space. They are used in math to represent quantities such as velocity, force, and displacement. To solve a sum from vectors, you need to add or subtract the corresponding components, find the magnitude using the Pythagorean theorem, and use trigonometric functions to find the direction. Vectors cannot be multiplied or divided, but can be added, subtracted, and multiplied by a scalar. They are different from scalars in that they have both magnitude and direction. Vectors have various real-life applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and navigation.
  • #1
Fazan Mushtaq
5
0
The resultant of two forces 3p and 2p is R.If the first force is doubled then the resultant is also doubled.The angle between the two forces is?please explain answer to me,i don't want direct numerical value.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What is the magnitude of resultant vector in terms of |A| |B| and theta,

Where |A| , |B| are magnitudes of vectors being added and theta is angle between them
 
  • #3
Use Law of Cosines
 

Related to What is the Law of Cosines and how can it be used to solve vector sums?

1. What are vectors and how are they used in math?

Vectors are mathematical objects that have both magnitude and direction. They are often represented as arrows in two or three-dimensional space. In math, vectors are used to represent quantities such as velocity, force, and displacement.

2. How do you solve a sum from vectors?

To solve a sum from vectors, you need to first add or subtract the corresponding components of the vectors. Then, use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the resulting vector. Finally, use trigonometric functions to find the direction of the resulting vector.

3. Can vectors be multiplied or divided?

No, vectors cannot be multiplied or divided. They can only be added, subtracted, and multiplied by a scalar (a number). Multiplication between two vectors is known as the dot product, and it results in a scalar value. Division between two vectors is not defined.

4. What is the difference between a vector and a scalar?

A vector has both magnitude and direction, while a scalar only has magnitude. In other words, a scalar is a single numerical value, while a vector is a combination of magnitude and direction represented as a mathematical object.

5. Can vectors be used in real-life applications?

Yes, vectors are used in various real-life applications, such as physics, engineering, and navigation. They are used to represent and analyze quantities such as force, velocity, and displacement in the physical world.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
544
Replies
1
Views
872
  • Classical Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
663
Replies
10
Views
963
Replies
5
Views
626
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • General Math
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
13
Views
484
Back
Top