How do I graphically add vectors with assigned values and angles?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the graphical addition of vectors with assigned values and unspecified angles. The original poster presents a scenario involving three vectors, A, B, and E, with specific magnitudes but lacks angle information.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to graphically add vectors by placing them tip-to-tail and question the significance of the angles in the absence of explicit values. There is also uncertainty about whether the resultant vector's direction is required.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the graphical addition process and the implications of missing angle information. Some guidance on the tip-to-tail method has been provided, but there is no consensus on the necessity of direction or the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of angle information for the vectors, which participants are attempting to address. The original poster expresses confusion about the graphical addition process and the role of angles in determining the resultant vector.

glindawantsme
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Graphically add the following sets of vectors. (There is a group of 6 vectors labeled A-F. They have an assigned value and are at different angles, but the angle is not given)


Homework Equations


None?


The Attempt at a Solution



So my problem here is this. The problem I need help with is adding 3 vectors. The first is A, which has a value of 3.0. Then B, which is also 3.0 but at a 90 degree angle. And the third is E, which is 5.0 and at a 45 degree angle.

I understand that you place them tip-to-tail and then add, but I'm not sure how to do it graphically? Do the angles play a role, or is my answer just 11? PLEASE HELP!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it wanting the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector of A + B + E?
 
It just says "Graphically add the following sets of vectors." I would think it would want the direction but I could be wrong... But it doesn't give the angles (I had to use a protractor) and usually my book does if it wants direction.
 
Well, if it wants you to graphically add them you can simply put the tail of one vector on the head of another vector and repeat for the third vector. Then, draw a line from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector. Since it only asks for the graphical addition I have to assume that's all it wants.
 
glindawantsme said:

Homework Statement


Graphically add the following sets of vectors. (There is a group of 6 vectors labeled A-F. They have an assigned value and are at different angles, but the angle is not given)

Homework Equations


None?

The Attempt at a Solution



So my problem here is this. The problem I need help with is adding 3 vectors. The first is A, which has a value of 3.0. Then B, which is also 3.0 but at a 90 degree angle. And the third is E, which is 5.0 and at a 45 degree angle.

I understand that you place them tip-to-tail and then add, but I'm not sure how to do it graphically? Do the angles play a role, or is my answer just 11? PLEASE HELP!

Your answer is definitely not 11.

A vector pointing North? A vector pointing East? And 1 pointing North East?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
13K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K