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CH 4 Vectors

The document discusses graphical and algebraic representations of vector addition. It explains how to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector from two or more input vectors using techniques like the Pythagorean theorem, law of cosines, and vector components. Examples are provided to demonstrate how to set up and solve word problems involving vector addition and resolution into components.

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msalha2010
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23 views

CH 4 Vectors

The document discusses graphical and algebraic representations of vector addition. It explains how to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector from two or more input vectors using techniques like the Pythagorean theorem, law of cosines, and vector components. Examples are provided to demonstrate how to set up and solve word problems involving vector addition and resolution into components.

Uploaded by

msalha2010
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vector Addition

Graphical and Algebraic


Representations
Review
► Vectors are arrows drawn to represent
magnitude AND direction of a concept.
► Vectors can be combined to represent a
total (Resultant) graphically.
► Algebra required includes Pythagorean
theorem and trig ratios.
► Draw arrows proportionally according to
quantity of a measurement.
► Vectors can have positive and negative
directions, but not magnitudes.
R

► VECTORS CAN BE MOVED (as long as


orientation remains constant.)
► Resultant- a vector that is equal to the
sum of two or more vectors.
► Use the Tail-to-Head method of combining
vectors.
► The magnitude of the resultant can be
found by measuring R with a ruler and
applying the length to a scale you have
established.
Consider a trip to school
A

R D
B
C

► Ifyou compare the displacement for route ABC to


route DE, you will find the resultant R is the same.
Resultant Magnitude
► Iftwo vectors are at right angles to each
other, the magnitude of the resultant can be
found by : R2 = A2 + B2

► Ifthe vectors are at some angle other than


90º, then you can use the Law of Cosines:
R2 = A2 + B2 – 2ABcosθ
Your turn to practice
Find the magnitude of the sum of a 15-km
displacement and a 25-km displacement
when the angle between them is 135º.

Given: Unknown:
A=25km B
R=?
B=15km A

Θ=135º R
Solution
► Strategy:
Use the Law of Cosines
► Calculations:
R2= A2 + B2 – 2ABcosθ
R2 = (25km)2+(15km)2-2(25km)(15km)(cos135º)
R2 = 625km2 + 225km2 – 750km2(cos135º)
R2 = 1380 km2
R = √(1380 km2)
R = 37 km
Your turn to Practice
Open your textbook to pg. 67.
Follow the format given to you in the
preceding example (Sketch, Label given
and unknowns, SHOW YOUR WORK,
Solve)
Answer the following practice questions:
#1, #2, #3
Read page 68. Complete questions 5-10 pg
71.
Components of Vectors
► Choose a coordinate system to help define
the direction of your vectors. (For earth
surface motions, usually the x-axis points
east and the y-axis points north; for motion
through the air, typically the x-axis is
horizontal and the POSITIVE y-axis is
vertical (upward).
► Once on a grid, the direction of a vector is
the angle it makes with the x-axis measured
counterclockwise.
A
Ay
θ Vector A is broken up into
Ax two COMPONENT vectors.
A = Ax + Ay
The process of breaking a vector into its
components is called vector resolution.
Since cosθ = adjacent/hypot. = Ax/A so
Ax = Acosθ
Since sinθ = opposite/hypot. = Ay/A so
Ay = Asinθ
A Practice Problem
A bus travels 23.0 km on a straight road that is 30º
north of east. What are the east and north
components of its displacement?

► Define your coordinates for position.


► (Use a system where the x-axis is east)
► Sketch the vector measuring the angle θ
counterclockwise from the x-axis.
Calculate and Solve
Given: Unknown:
A = 23.0 km Ax = ?
Θ = 30º Ay = ?
Calculations:
Ax = A cosθ Ay = A sinθ
Ax = (23.0 km) cosθ Ay = (23.0 km) sinθ
Ax = +19.9 km Ay = +11.5 km
Signs of Components
2nd quadrant +y
1st quadrant
Ax < 0 Ax > 0
Ay > 0 Ay > 0

-x +x

3rd quadrant 4th quadrant


Ax < 0 Ax > 0
Ay < 0 Ay < 0

-y
Algebraic addition of vectors
► Two or more vectors can be added by first
resolving them into their x- and y-
components.
► X components are added to make an x
resultant: Rx = Ax + Bx + Cx + …
► Y components are added to make a y
resultant: Ry = Ay + By + Cy + …
► Because Rx and Ry are at 90º they can be
added by: R2 = Rx2 + Ry2
Now find the angle
► Tofind the angle of the resultant vector,
remember the tan of the angle the vector
makes with the x-axis is
Ry
tan θ = Rx

► Youcan find the angle by using tan-1 on


your calculator. 1 Ry
tan
Rx
Your turn to Practice
► Open your book to page 74.
► Follow the format examples given
previously.
► SHOW ALL WORK
► Sketch your vectors or components.
► Do problems #11, #12, #13, and #14
Practice Continued
► Turn to page 76 in your book
► Follow the format shown previously
► All vectors need rulers and PROTRACTORS
► Solve questions # 15, #16, #17, and #18

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