Can Nonzero Perpendicular Vectors Be Added to Equal Zero? | Quick Question

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of adding two nonzero perpendicular vectors together to result in a sum of zero. Cursed is unsure but inclined to say yes, and suggests that as long as the magnitudes and signs of the vectors are equivalent, they can cancel each other out. The conversation then prompts Cursed to think about the definition of perpendicular vectors and to draw a picture to better understand the concept. It is mentioned that the sum of two perpendicular vectors can be found using the "parallelogram law" or by constructing a rectangle, and it is asked if a rectangle with non-zero sides can have a diagonal of length 0. This leads to the suggestion of finding a proof for this concept using equations and visual aids.
  • #1
Cursed
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Can two nonzero perpendicular vectors be added together so their sum is zero?

I want to say yes, but I'm not sure. :uhh:
 
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  • #2
Thread moved to Homework Help. What are your thoughts, Cursed? Why are you inclined to say yes, and how do you think you could go about proving it? Have you studied orthonormal bases yet? What does the term perpendicular (or orthogonal) imply?
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Thread moved to Homework Help. What are your thoughts, Cursed? Why are you inclined to say yes, and how do you think you could go about proving it? Have you studied orthonormal bases yet? What does the term perpendicular (or orthogonal) imply?

No, I haven't studied orthonormal bases yet. That's probably why I don't understand it. :tongue:

I figured that one vector could cancel out the other provided that both their magnitudes are equivalent, and if one vector component is negative while the other one is positive.
 
  • #4
Think about what the term perpendicular (orthogonal) means. One set of perpendicular vectors would be (0,1) and (1,0), for example. Or the two vectors could be rotated together to any angle in the x-y plane, but still in the perpendicular position. Write some equations that would define two orthogonal vectors...do you see anything special?
 
  • #5
Have you considered drawing a picture? Draw two perpendicular vectors. There sum can be found using the "parallelogram law" which, in the case of perpendicular vectors is a "rectangle". Can you find a rectangle, with non-zero sides that has a diagonal of length 0?
 

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