Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude

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SUMMARY

The resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A can be determined using the formula A_R = 2A Cos(θ/2). In this discussion, participants analyzed the options provided, concluding that both options a) √3 A at 60° and b) √2 A at 90° are valid results. The confusion arose from the interpretation of the angle θ, which is the angle between the two vectors, not between the resultant and one of the vectors. The correct application of the formula confirms the validity of the answers.

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gracy
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Homework Statement



Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A is
a) √3 A at 60
b) √2 A at 90
c) 2A at 120
d) A at 180

Homework Equations


When two vectors are of equal magnitudes then their resultant is
##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors . Or we can eliminate options one by one. Answer is both a & b
I tried to cross check it . If the resultant is at 60 it means angle between the vectors we started with is 120 i.e θ =120
if we plug in the numbers
##A_R## = 2A Cos 120/2
= 2A cos 60
= 2A 1/2
= A
which is not equal to √3
Similarly for option b
##A_R## = 2A Cos 180/2
= 2A cos 90
= 2A 0
= 0
I 'll get it correct if I directly put θ=60 & 90 respectively . But as far as I know θ in this formula ##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2 is angle between the two vectors and not the vector and resultant
 
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gracy said:
I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors
Right. The question doesn't make sense.
 
I think you are right - that the angles shown in the problem statement are the original angles between the 2 vectors of magnitude A.
 
gracy said:

Homework Statement



Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A is
a) √3 A at 60
b) √2 A at 90
c) 2A at 120
d) A at 180

Homework Equations


When two vectors are of equal magnitudes then their resultant is
##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think we need more information especially the angle between the given two vectors . Or we can eliminate options one by one. Answer is both a & b
I tried to cross check it . If the resultant is at 60 it means angle between the vectors we started with is 120 i.e θ =120
if we plug in the numbers
##A_R## = 2A Cos 120/2
= 2A cos 60
= 2A 1/2
= A
which is not equal to √3
Similarly for option b
##A_R## = 2A Cos 180/2
= 2A cos 90
= 2A 0
= 0
I 'll get it correct if I directly put θ=60 & 90 respectively . But as far as I know θ in this formula ##A_R## = 2 A Cos θ/2 is angle between the two vectors and not the vector and resultant

I don't see the problem, it seems to me it's giving you the angles between the two vectors to check and what the resultant magnitude should be, so A and B are both correct as you say.
 
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