Physic105 the force vectors

Theory

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. For instance, a force of 10 lb upward or

a velocity of 30 miles per hour east is a vector. A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but not

direction. For instance, temperature and volume are scalars, since it would make no sense to speak of a

temperature of 70 °F west or a volume of 20 cubic feet south. The resultant of two or more vectors is the

single vector that could be substituted for the given vectors and have the same effect. Although there are

many types of vectors, this experiment will concentrate on force vectors and their resultants.

Physic105 the force vectors

Suppose that a 3 lb force is acting on a body in an easterly direction and a 2 lb force is acting on the

body in a north-easterly direction as in Figure la. The 3 lb force by itself would cause the body to

accelerate toward the east; and the 2 lb force by itself would cause the body to accelerate toward the

northeast. If both of these forces (and only these two forces) act on the body, the body will accelerate in

an intermediate direction as shown. A single force R could produce the same acceleration. See Figure lb.

Since R is a single vector having the same effect as the given vectors, R is the resultant of the given

vectors.

DETAILED ASSIGNMENT

20210201071952vector_addition