Add Vectors: 55km South + 34km North

In summary, the conversation discusses how to illustrate and calculate the addition of two vectors, 55km [South] and 34km [North]. One approach is to draw a vertical line to represent the overlap of the two vectors, with the resulting vector being 21km [South]. Another approach is to gradually rotate the 34km [North] vector until it points in the same direction as the 55km [South] vector, with the resulting vector being the same. It is also mentioned that it is common to draw north above and south below.
  • #1
cvc121
61
1

Homework Statement



Illustrate the addition of the following two vectors and calculate the resulting vector: 55km [South] + 34km [North].

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
The attempt at the solution is below. What is troubling me is the overlap of the vectors and how to draw it. Is a vertical line a proper illustration of the addition for those two vectors? Also, do I need an arrow? If so, which way would it be pointing? My answer for the resulting vector is 21km [South].
 

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  • #2
How would you draw "21km [South]" ? That's what the sum of these two vectors looks like ! Well done.

THere is another approach to this: You probably know how to add 55 [N]
and 34 [E]. gradually rotate the 34 [E] until it points [N] and draw a few intermediate sum vectors to see where it ends up.

By the way, we usually draw north above and south below ...
 

1. What does it mean to "add vectors"?

Adding vectors is a mathematical operation that combines two or more vectors together to determine a resulting vector. This is often done to calculate the overall displacement or movement of an object.

2. Why is the direction important when adding vectors?

The direction of a vector is just as important as its magnitude. When adding vectors, the direction determines the resulting direction of the combined vector. For example, adding a vector pointing north with a vector pointing south will result in a net zero displacement.

3. What is the difference between adding vectors in one dimension and two dimensions?

In one dimension, vectors are added by simply adding their magnitudes together. In two dimensions, the x and y components of the vectors must also be taken into account. This is done using trigonometric functions to determine the overall magnitude and direction of the resulting vector.

4. How do you add vectors that are not in the same direction?

Vectors that are not in the same direction can still be added by breaking them down into their x and y components and then adding these components separately. The resulting vector can then be determined using trigonometric functions.

5. What is the resulting vector when adding 55km South and 34km North?

The resulting vector will be 21km South, as the two vectors are in opposite directions and have different magnitudes. To add these vectors, we first need to convert them into their x and y components, which will then result in a net displacement of 21km in the South direction.

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