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Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition

The parallelogram law of vector addition states that if two vectors are represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of a parallelogram, then their resultant vector is represented by the diagonal of the parallelogram. This is derived by drawing vectors as the sides of a parallelogram and using properties of triangles to show the resultant is equal to the sum of the vectors and forms the appropriate angle with one of the original vectors. An example problem demonstrates calculating the magnitude and angle of the resultant of two forces acting at an angle to each other.

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571 views3 pages

Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition

The parallelogram law of vector addition states that if two vectors are represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of a parallelogram, then their resultant vector is represented by the diagonal of the parallelogram. This is derived by drawing vectors as the sides of a parallelogram and using properties of triangles to show the resultant is equal to the sum of the vectors and forms the appropriate angle with one of the original vectors. An example problem demonstrates calculating the magnitude and angle of the resultant of two forces acting at an angle to each other.

Uploaded by

mahbub mitul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallelogram Law of Vector

Addition
Statement of Parallelogram Law 
If two vectors acting simultaneously at a point can be represented both in
magnitude and direction by the adjacent sides of a parallelogram drawn
from a point, then the resultant vector is represented both in magnitude
and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram passing through that
point.-0

Derivation of the law


Note: All the letters in bold represent vectors and normal letters represent magnitude
only.

Let P and Q be two vectors acting simultaneously at a point and


represented both in magnitude and direction by two adjacent sides OA and
OD of a parallelogram OABD as shown in figure.
Let θ be the angle between P and Q and R be the resultant vector. Then,
according to parallelogram law of vector addition, diagonal OB represents
the resultant of P and Q.

So, we have

                  R = P + Q
Now, expand A to C and draw BC perpendicular to OC.

From triangle OCB,


      

In triangle ABC,

      

Also,

      

Magnitude of resultant:
Substituting value of AC and BC in (i), we get

      

which is the magnitude of resultant.

Direction of resultant: Let ø be the angle made by resultant R with P.


Then,
From triangle OBC,

      

which is the direction of resultant.

Numerical Problem
Two forces of magnitude 6N and 10N are inclined at an angle of 60° with
each other. Calculate the magnitude of resultant and the angle made by
resultant with 6N force.

Solution:
Let P and Q be two forces wih magnitude 6N and 10N respectively and θ be
angle between them. Let R be the resultant force.
So, P = 6N, Q = 10N and θ = 60°                                                                              

We have,

      

which is the required magnitude

Let ø be the angle between P and R. Then,

      

which is the required angle.

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