vorse said:Homework Statement
A vector of magnitude 20 is added to a vector of magnitude 25. The magnitude of this sum might be:
A. Zero
B. 3
C. 12
D. 47
E. 50
Homework Equations
Probable the Pythagoreans and use of sin, cos, etc.
The Attempt at a Solution
Not sure how to add the magnitude of vector w/out knowing the angle or the different components.
Thanks for looking at the problem.
vorse said:I know what the answer it. I just don't know how the answer key got there. There are some rules that constrain the addition/subtraction of magnitude of vectors, but I don't know what they are. I am searching the net but to no avail.
P.S
Thanks for the welcome.
vorse said:I know what the answer it. I just don't know how the answer key got there. There are some rules that constrain the addition/subtraction of magnitude of vectors, but I don't know what they are. I am searching the net but to no avail.
P.S
Thanks for the welcome.
LowlyPion said:You know that depending on direction a vector can be added head to tail right? So the biggest value the result can be is ... |20| + |25|
Likewise the smallest value the result can be is when they are in opposite directions. |25| - |20|
Looks like there is only one answer that satisfies these conditions.
The magnitude of a vector is the length or size of the vector. It is a scalar quantity and is represented by the absolute value of the vector.
To calculate the magnitude of a vector, you use the Pythagorean theorem. This involves finding the square root of the sum of the squares of the vector's components. Alternatively, you can use the magnitude formula, which is the square root of the dot product of the vector with itself.
The magnitude of a vector indicates the strength or intensity of the vector's quantity. In physics, it can represent the force or velocity of an object. In mathematics, it can represent the size or length of a line segment.
No, the magnitude of a vector cannot be negative. It is always a positive value, representing the size or length of the vector. However, the vector itself can have a negative direction, which is indicated by a negative sign in front of its components.
No, the direction of a vector does not affect its magnitude. The magnitude only depends on the length of the vector and is independent of its direction. However, the direction is important in determining the overall effect of a vector in a given situation.