Calculating Resultant Vector: Explained

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The discussion centers on calculating the resultant vector R from two vectors at angles between 0 and 90 degrees. It is established that the maximum resultant occurs when the vectors are collinear (0 degrees), yielding a value of 7 N, while the minimum occurs at 90 degrees, resulting in 5 N. The participants clarify that values outside the range of 5 N to 7 N, such as 4 N, are not possible for R. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding vector addition and the implications of the angles involved. Ultimately, the conclusion is that the only valid resultant values lie within the specified range.
Muhammad Danish
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According to my understanding, option D is the only possible value of R. I don't understand how options A, B and C are included. Please explain this question.
Thanks.
(regards)
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Muhammad Danish said:
According to my understanding, option D is the only possible value of R. I don't understand how options A, B and C are included. Please explain this question.
Thanks.
(regards)

just try to check the values of resultant at 0 and 90 degrees
anything outside this range of R is not possible.
 
drvrm said:
just try to check the values of resultant at 0 and 90 degrees
anything outside this range of R is not possible.
I do not understand...
 
Muhammad Danish said:
I do not understand...

in the question the angles are given between zero and ninety degree
so if you put zero
then the two vectors are collinear so they will add up that gives you a value of R
i think that is maximum value
similarly put them at 90 degree
 
drvrm said:
in the question the angles are given between zero and ninety degree
so if you put zero
then the two vectors are collinear so they will add up that gives you a value of R
i think that is maximum value
similarly put them at 90 degree
If we put them at 90 degrees, then the vectors will still add up to 7 N, won't they?
 
Muhammad Danish said:
If we put them at 90 degrees, then the vectors will still add up to 7 N, won't they?
Are you familiar with how to do vector addition?
 
Muhammad Danish said:
If we put them at 90 degrees, then the vectors will still add up to 7 N, won't they?

two vectors at an angle theta then there is a rule parallelogram -law
R = sqrt{ 3^2 + 4^2 + 2 (3*4 ) cos (theta) }
so if theta =90
cos 90 =0
 
Chestermiller said:
Are you familiar with how to do vector addition?
Yes..
 
Muhammad Danish said:
Yes..
Then you know that, unless they are co-linear and pointing in the same direction, their resultant magnitude can't be 7.
 
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  • #10
drvrm said:
two vectors at an angle theta then there is a rule parallelogram -law
R = sqrt{ 3^2 + 4^2 + 2 (3*4 ) cos (theta) }
so if theta =90
cos 90 =0
Oh I understand now, it means that if we put Cos 90, then the answer will be the lowest value. Similarly if we put Cos 0, then the outcome will be the maximum value. Maximum value=7 Minimum Value=5 so 4N is not possible. Am I correct?
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
Then you know that, unless they are co-linear and pointing in the same direction, their resultant magnitude can't be 7.
When they will be co-linear, the resultant magnitude will be 7N, and when they are perpendicular to each other then the resultant magnitude will be 5N, so the value of R must lie between 5-7N. In the above MCQ the answer will be A.4N because it is not a possible value of R. Am I right?
 
  • #12
Muhammad Danish said:
When they will be co-linear, the resultant magnitude will be 7N, and when they are perpendicular to each other then the resultant magnitude will be 5N, so the value of R must lie between 5-7N. In the above MCQ the answer will be A.4N because it is not a possible value of R. Am I right?
Yes.
 
  • #13
Chestermiller said:
Yes.
Thanks Sir.
 
  • #14
drvrm said:
two vectors at an angle theta then there is a rule parallelogram -law
R = sqrt{ 3^2 + 4^2 + 2 (3*4 ) cos (theta) }
so if theta =90
cos 90 =0
Thanks a lot! I understand now!
 
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  • #15
Muhammad Danish said:
if we put Cos 90, then the answer will be the lowest value
Within the range specified, yes, but more generally the lowest value will be when the vectors oppose each other, i.e. θ=180°, cos(θ)=-1.
 

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