4.1. Graphical Methods of Vector Addition http://www.ck12.org
4.1 Graphical Methods of Vector Addition
- Differentiate between scalars and vectors.
- Graphically add vectors in one dimension by placing the vectors head to toe on a number line.
- Graphically add vectors in two dimensions by placing them head to toe on a two-dimensional coordinate
system.
Successfully shooting a basketball requires a subconscious understanding of the vectors involved in how the bas-
ketball moves through the air. The vertical and horizontal vectors must be perfectly organized if the ball is to pass
through the basket.
Graphical Methods Vector Addition
In physics, a quantity, such as mass, length, or speed that is completely specified by its magnitude and has no
direction is called ascalar.Avector, on the other hand, is a quantity possessing both magnitude and direction. A
vector quantity is typically represented by an arrow-tipped line segment. The length of the line, drawn to scale,
represents the magnitude of the quantity. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the vector. Not only
can vectors be represented graphically, but they can also be added graphically.
For one dimensionalvector addition, the first vector is placed on a number line with the tail of the vector on the
origin. The second vector is placed with its tail exactly on the arrow head of the first vector. The sum of the two
vectors is the vector that begins at the origin and ends at the arrow head of the final added vector.
Consider the following two vectors.