Why could we represent the addition of two vectors like this?

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    Addition Vectors
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of vector addition, specifically questioning the validity and proof of the triangle law of vector addition. Participants explore the theoretical foundations and definitions of vectors, as well as their practical applications in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the proof of the triangle law of vector addition, suggesting it may be a law without proof, seeking a satisfactory explanation.
  • One participant asserts that vectors are defined as mathematical objects that add in a specific way, implying that their utility justifies their definition.
  • Another participant presents a personal explanation involving physical interaction with objects, suggesting that vector addition can be visualized through practical examples, but expresses uncertainty about the formation of a triangle.
  • It is noted that the "head to tail" and "tail to tail" vector diagrams are equivalent representations of the parallelogram rule for vector addition, which is historically linked to Newton's work on forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof of vector addition; multiple competing views and interpretations of the triangle law and its implications remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of formal proof for the triangle law, dependence on definitions of vectors, and unresolved questions regarding the conditions under which the triangle forms in practical scenarios.

parshyaa
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Do we have any proof to show that we can represent the addition of two vectors like this, i mean do we have proof for triangle law of vector addition(or its a law that is why we can't have its proof, then please give me a satisfying reason for this)
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parshyaa said:
Do we have any proof to show that we can represent the addition of two vectors like this, i mean do we have proof for triangle law of vector addition(or its a law that is why we can't have its proof, then please give me a satisfying reason for this)
View attachment 211264
What is your guess?
 
It's a definition: Vectors are mathematical objects that add that way.

It turns out that these mathematical objects are useful, so we use them.
 
Chestermiller said:
What is your guess?
I have a explanation(but its wrong), i think more precisely a vector addition can be represented like this
IMG_20170917_175028708.jpg

Because when we hit a pencil box we get something like this(when we hit it from left side and then from right side and the we hit it from left and right side together)
IMG_20170917_175929583.jpg

And as we know that vectors can be shifted parallely then we can shift B to the head of A then we would get something we were proving, but as size of vector represents magnitude we are not shure that triangle would form or not.
 
The "head to tail" and "tail to tail" vector diagrams are equivalent representations of the "parallelogram rule" for vector addition. This is a mathematical statement. The physics comes in when we observe experimentally that forces obey this rule, and therefore we can use vectors to represent forces.

The parallelogram rule (applied to forces) goes all the way back to Newton. See Corollary I of his Principia Mathematica.
 
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