Understanding Resultant: When is a Resultant Zero in First Quadrant Vectors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the resultant of three vectors in the first quadrant of an x-y coordinate system cannot be zero if all vectors originate from the same point. Specifically, when three positive vectors are added, their sum cannot equal zero. However, it is possible to misrepresent vectors graphically, leading to a closed triangle configuration where the resultant appears to be zero, despite the vectors being inaccurately depicted. This highlights the importance of accurate vector representation in physics and mathematics.

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When is a resultant zero? When three vectors are on the first quadrant of an x-y coordinate system does that resultant be zero?
 
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Think about what you are asking. If you add three positive numbers is it possible for their sum to be zero? :-)
 
As long as you three vectors all start witht heir tails in the origin, then their sum cannot be zero. BUT sometimes teachers are sloppy in their representations of vectors: It is possible to draw three vectos in the first quadrant ofa x-y graph such that their sum is zero (they would form a closed triangle with all arrows pointing either clockwise or ccw); but this would be due to a misrepresentation of vectors in a quadrant system.
 

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