CHAPTER NO.

2
VECTORS & EQUILIBRIUM

Physical quantity:
A physical quantity is a quantity in physics which can be measured and has
physical significance. A physical quantity has two types
i. Scalar quantity
ii. Vector quantity

Scalar quantities:
The quantities which are completely described by Magnitude and proper unit
are called scalar quantities.
Examples: Mass, Time, Temperature, length etc.
Vector quantities:
The quantities which are completely described by Magnitude, proper unit and
direction are called scalar quantities.
Example: Force, Acceleration, Displacement, Momentum etc.

1-BASIC CONCEPTS OF VECTORS

Vector representation:
Symbolic Representation Graphical Representation
 A vector is represent by bold face  A vector is drown using a straight
letter i.e. A,F, v etc. line segment with an arrow head on
A vector can also be represented by one side which is called
a letter with an arrow above or representative line.
below it i.e. ⃗A,⃗F,⃗V , ⃗a or F, v etc.  Length of line gives magnitude of
vector according to the paper scale.
 Magnitude of a vector is represented
 Arrow indicates the direction of
by light letter i.e. A
vector.
Magnitude of vector can also be
written as |⃗ A|. It is called modulus
of ⃗
A.
1) Rectangular coordinate system:

Coordinate axes: Two or more lines which are mutually perpendicular to each
other are called coordinate Axes.
“The system of coordinate Axes is called Rectangular
Coordinate system.”
Or
“A system of two or more lined which are mutually
perpendicular to each
 A horizontal line is called x-axis.
 A vertical line is called y-axis.
 The point where lines intersect is called origin and is
represented by “O”.
Two Dimension Coordinate System (Plane).
A coordinate system which has two perpendicular line is
called two Dimensional Coordinate System.
It represents a plane.
Direction of vector in plane:
Direction of vector in plane is represented by single angle “
θ ” which it makes with positive x-axis in anti-clockwise
direction.
Thee Dimensional Coordinate System (Space)
 A coordinate system which has three mutually
perpendicular lines is called three Dimensional
Coordinate system.
 It represents a space.
 Direction of vector in space:
 The direction of vector in space is represented by three
angles α , β and y with x-axis and z-axis respectively.

2) Addition of vectors:
 Vectors cannot be added by simple mathematical rule but
by a special method called Head to Tail Rule.
Head to Tail Rule:
i. Draw representative lines of vectors to be added.
ii. Join the tail of second vector with the head of first
vector.
iii. Join the tail of first vector to the head of last vector
which gives a Resultant vector.

Vector addition is commutative:

Consider two vector ⃗A and ⃗B is as shown in figure.
Fist add ⃗ A and ⃗B by head to tail rule we get the
resultant vector:
⃗
R =⃗
A +⃗B
Then add ⃗ B into ⃗A by head to tail rule we get the
resultant vector:
⃗
R =⃗
A +⃗B
From figure, we can see resultant vector for both the
cases is same.
⃗
A+ ⃗B= ⃗
A +⃗B

3) Resultant vector:
Resultant vector of two or more vectors is a single vector which has the same
effect as combined effect off all vectors to be added.
⃗
R =⃗
A +⃗
B +⃗
C+⃗
D
4) Vector Subtraction:
Subtraction of vectors is equivalent to addition of
positive vector and Negative vector
i.e.
⃗
R =⃗
A + (− ⃗
B)
5) Multiplication of Vector by a Scalar:
 i. When a vector is multiplied by a ositive number i.e.
n > 0, its magnitude becomes ‘n’ times while
direction remain same.
ii. When a vector is multiplied by a ositive number i.e.
n < 0, its magnitude becomes ‘n’ times while
direction is reserved.
iii. When a vector is multiplied by a scalar quantity, it
gives a vector.
e.g. ⃗
P=m ⃗v
⃗
F =m ⃗a

6) Unit vector:
A vector whose magnitude is one in a given direction is
called unit vector.
It represents the direction of a given vector.
^ ) i.e. ^
It is represented by a letter with a cap (❑ A
A unit vector is obtained by dividing a vector by its
magnitude.
⃗ A
^
A=
| ^A|
Orthogonal vector:
The unit vectors i^ , ^j, k^ along x-axis, y-axis and z-axis
respectively are called orthogonal unit vectors.
These are mutually perpendicular to each other.

7) Null vector:

A Vector whose magnitude is Zero and arbitrary direction is

called Null vector or Zero vector.

⃗
F net= ⃗
F + (− ⃗
F )= ⃗0

8) Equal vector:
 Two or more vectors are said to be equal vectors if they have
same magnitude and same direction regardless of their
position Equal vectors are always parallel.

9) Position vector:
A vector which locates the position of an object / particle / point with respect
to origin is called position vector.
It is denoted by r⃗
Position vector in plane
r⃗ =a J^ +b ^J
Magnitude of position vector:
r =√ a2 +b2
Position vector in space
r⃗ =a J^ +b ^J +c k^
Magnitude of position vector:
r =√ a2 +b2 +c 2

2-Vector Addition by Rectangular Components

Consider two vector ⃗ A and ⃗ B Represented by lines OM

an ON in xy-plane. Add these two vectors by head to
tail rule, such that OP is their resultant vector. i.e.
⃗
R =⃗A +⃗
B
i.e.

X-component of ⃗
R:
A X , B X and R X are magnitudes of x-components of ⃗
A, ⃗
B and ⃗
R.
From figure.
¿=OQ+QR
R X = A X , B X …………(I)
Which shows that sum of magnitude of x-components of ⃗
A and ⃗
B is equal to
the magnitude of x-component of ⃗
R.
Y-component of ⃗
R:
A y , B y and R y are magnitudes of x-components of ⃗
A ,⃗
B and ⃗
R.
From figure,
RP=RS+ SP
R y =A y + B y …………(2)

Which shows that sum of magnitudes of y-components of ⃗

A and ⃗
B is equal to
⃗
the magnitude of y-component of R .
R X ∧R y are rectangular components of ⃗
R so,
⃗
R =R X i^ + R y ^j
⃗
R =( A x + B X ) i^ + ( A y + B y ) ^j

Using (1) & (2)

Magnitude of ⃗
R
Magnitude of ⃗
R is given as:
|⃗R|=R x 2 + R y 2
|⃗R|=√ ( A X + B X )2 + ( A y + B y ) 2
Direction of ⃗
R
Direction of is given as:

0=ta n
−1
( )
Ry
RX

0=ta n
−1
( A y + By
AX + BX )
For n-coplanar vectors
If there are n-numbers of coplanar vectors ⃗
A,⃗
B ,⃗
C … … … then we can write
⃗
R =( A ¿ ¿ X +B X +C X +…) i^ + ( A y + B y +C y … … ) ^j ¿

Magnitude: √ 2
R= ( A ¿ ¿ X + B X +C X +…) + ( A y + B y +C y … … ) ¿
2

Direction: θ=ta n
−1
( A y + B y +C y … …… .
A X + B X +C X … … .. )
Summarizing steps of Addition:
Vector addition by rectangular components consists of following steps:
i. Find x-components of all the vectors.
ii. Find y-components of all the vectors.
iii. Find x-components of resultant vector by adding x-components of all
vectors.
iv. Find y-components of resultant vector by adding y-components of all
vectors.
v. Find magnitude of resultant vector by formula: √ R=R x + R y2 2

Ry
vi. Find direction of the resultant vector by formula: tanθ=
RX

Quadrant Determination:

i. Find Φ using Φ=tan

−1
( )
Ry
RX
irrespective of signs of R X and R y .

ii. If both R X and R y are positive, the resultant lies in first quadrant and its
direction is θ=Φ.
iii. If R X is negative and R y is positive then resultant lies in second quadrant
and its direction is θ=180° Φ.
iv. If both R X and R y are negative, the resultant lies in their quadrant and its
direction is θ+180 ° Φ.
v. If R X is positive and R y is negative then resultant lies in fourth quadrant
and its direction is θ+360 ° Φ.

3-Dot product or scalar product

“When product of two vectors results in a scalar quantity, then such a product is
known as scalar product.”
Mathematically:

Consider two vectors ⃗

A and ⃗
B making an angle θ with each
other then,
⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ

Explanation:

Consider two vectors ⃗

A&⃗
B making an angle θ with each
other,
Draw perpendicular from ⃗ B on ⃗A then, ‘ BCosθ’ is called
projection of ⃗
B on ⃗
A
Then,
⃗
A.⃗ B on ⃗
B = A (Projection of ⃗ A)
⃗
A.⃗B = ABCosθ…………..(i)
Similarly
⃗
B.⃗A =B(Projection of ⃗
A on ⃗
B)
⃗
B.⃗ A =BA Cosθ
⃗
B.⃗A =BACosθ
⃗
A.⃗B =⃗
B .⃗
A
From (i) and (ii)
It shows that scalar product is Commutative.

Example: Work: F . ⃗d
W =⃗
Power P=⃗
F . ⃗v

Electric flux: Φ e =⃗
E.⃗
A

Properties / Characteristics of Dot product

(i) Commutative property:
Scalar product of two vectors is commutative.

Since ⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ ……………..(i)

Also ⃗
B.⃗
A =BACoseθ
⃗
B.⃗
A =BACosθ ……………..(ii)
From (i) and (ii) ⃗
A.⃗
B =⃗
B.⃗
A
(ii) Perpendicular vectors:
The scalar product of two perpendicular vectors is always Zero.
i.e. ⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ
⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCos 90 °
⃗
A.⃗
B =0
In case of unit vectors:

i^ . ^j=|i^ ||^j|cos 90°

i^ . ^j=0
Similarly i^ . ^j= ^j . k^ . i=0
^

(iii) Parallel and Antiparallel vectors:

Parallele vectors Antiparallel vectors
The scalar product of two parallel ( θ=0 ° ) The scalar product of two anti-parallel
vectros is equal to product of their ( θ=180° ) vectros is equal to product of
magnitude. their magnitude.
⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ ⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ
⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ ° ⃗
A.⃗
B = ABCosθ °
⃗
A.⃗
B = AB ⃗
A.⃗
B = AB
(iv) Self scalar product:
If self-product of a vector is equal to the square of its magnitude.
i.e. ⃗
A.⃗
A = AACosθ °
⃗
A.⃗
A= A
2

In case of unit vectors:

^ |i^||i^ |cos 0 °
i^ . i=
i^ .i=1
^ ^j. ^j=k^ . k=1
Similarly i^ . i= ^

(v) Scalar product in terms of rectangular components:

Let we have two vector:
⃗ ^ A y ^j+ A z k^
A=A X i+ & ⃗ ^ B y ^j+B z k^
B=B X i+
⃗ ^ A ^j+ A k^ ) . ( B i+
A =( A X i+
A.⃗ ^ B ^j+ B k^ )
y z X y z

⃗
A.⃗
B =( A X B X + A y B y + A z Bz )
 AB COSθ = ( A X B X + A y B y + A z B z )

A X B X + A y B y+ A z B z
COSθ=
AB

4-Cross product or vector Product

“when product of two vectors results in a vector quantity, then such a product
is known as vector product.”
Mathematically:
⃗
A×⃗
B= ABSinθ n^
Where n^ shows the direction of ⃗A×⃗B . It can be found by
Right-hand Rule.
Right-Hand Rule:
i. Join the tails of both the vectors. It defines the
plane of two vectors.
ii. Rotate fingers of right hand from first vector towards
seconds vector through the smallest possible angles.
iii. Then stretched/erect right hand thumb will show
the direction of vector product of two vectors.
Direction of ⃗A×⃗B is normal / perpendicular to the plane containing ⃗
A∧⃗
B.
Now ⃗
B× ⃗
A =BA Sinθ (−^n )
⃗
B× ⃗
A =−AB Sinθ (−^n )
Magnitude of cross product:

|⃗A × ⃗B|= AB Sinθ

Example: Torque: τ⃗ =⃗r × ⃗
F
Angular momentum: ⃗
L=⃗r × ⃗
P
Electromagnetic force: ⃗
F =Q( ⃗v × ⃗
B)

Characteristics of Vector product:

(i) Violation of Commutative Law:
Vector product is not commutative.
As ⃗
A×⃗
B= ABSinθ n^ ----------(i)
Also ⃗
B× ⃗
A =BASinθ(−^n )
 ⃗
B× ⃗
A =−ABSinθ n^ ----------(ii)
Comparing (i) & (ii) ⃗
A×⃗
B=−⃗
B×⃗
A
⃗
A×⃗
B≠⃗
B×⃗
A
This shows that vector product is not commutative.
(ii) Perpendicular vector:
Vector product of two perpendicular vectors has maximum
magnitude.
i.e. ⃗
A×⃗
B= ABSin 90 ° n^
⃗
A×⃗
B= AB n^

|⃗A × ⃗B|= AB
In case of unit vector:
^ |i^ ||^j|cos 90 ° k^
i^ × i=
^ k^
^ i=
i×
Similarly: ^ ^j= k^ :
i× ^ i^
^j × k= : k^ × i=
^ ^j

^ k^
^j × i= : k^ × ^j=i^ : ^ k^ =− ^j
i×
(iii) Parallel and Anti parallel vector:
Vector product of two parallel or anti-parallel vectors is equal to Null vector.

⃗ ⃗
B ⃗
B
A×⃗
B= ABSin 90 ° n^ →
: ⃗
A×⃗
B= ABSin 180 ° n^ →

→ →
⃗
A×⃗
B=0 n^ ⃗ : ⃗
A×⃗
B=0 n^ θ−180°
⃗
Aθ=0 ° ❑ A
⃗
A×⃗
B= ⃗0 : ⃗
A×⃗
B= ⃗0
In case of unit vectors:
^ |i^||i^ |sin 0 ° n^
i^ . i=

i^ . i^ =0 n=
^ 0⃗
Self-Cross Product:
Self-cross product of a vector is equal to a Null vector.
⃗
A×⃗
A = AASinθ° n^
⃗
A×⃗
A =O n^
 ⃗
A×⃗
A =⃗
O
Similarly: ^ ^j × ^j=k^ × k=
^ i=
i× ^ 0⃗

(iv) Vector product in terms of rectangular components:

Let we have two vectors:

⃗ ^ A y ^j+ A z k^
A=A X i+ & ⃗ ^ B y ^j+B z k^
B=B X i+

⃗
A×⃗ ^ A ^j + A k^ ) × ( B i^ + B ^j + B k^ )
A =( A X i+ y z X y z

| |
i^ ^j k^
⃗
A×⃗
A= AX A y Az
BX By Bz

⃗
A×⃗ ^ ( A x B z− A z B y ) ^j+ ( A x B y −A y B x ) k^
A =( A y Bz − A z B y ) i−

(v) Area of Parallelogram:

The magnitude of vector product of two vectors is equal to the area of parallelogram.
⃗
A×⃗
B= AASin 90 ° n^

|⃗A × ⃗B|= ABSinθ

|⃗ B|= A( BSinθ)
A×⃗

|⃗A × ⃗B|=Base × Heig h t

|⃗A × ⃗B|= Areaof Parallelogram

5-Torque

“The turning effect of force produced in a body about its axis of rotation is
called Torque” torque is also called Moment of Force.
Mathematically:
τ =¿ F
Where / is moment arm and F is applied force.
Moment arm:
 The perpendicular distance between line of action of force and axis of rotation
is called Moment arm.
Dependence of Torque:
Torque depends upon
i. Force: Greater the applied, greater will be the torque.
ii. Moment arm: Greater the moment arm, greater will be the torque.

Torque on a Right body

Rigid Boyd: If the distance between two points of body remains same due to
the application of Force then body is called Rigid Body.
Explanation:
Consider a rigid body of any shape. Let r⃗ is the position of the
vector
And ⃗
F is applied force acting at an angle ' θ ' .
Resolve ⃗
F into its rectangular components:
i. F Sinθ which is perpendicular to “r”
ii. F Cosθ which is along the direction of “r”

Here torque is produced by perpendicular component of force i.e.

F Sin θ is effective component of force. Also magnitude of r⃗
represents
Perpendicular distance between force (F Sin θ) and axis of rotation so “r” is
moment arm here
Torque = (Moment arm) (Force)
τ =r (F Sinθ)
τ =r F Sinθ
So by this equation torque can be defined as:
“The cross product of position vector and applied force”
τ⃗ =⃗r × ⃗
F
τ⃗ =rF Sinθ n^
SI unit:
SI unit of torque is Nm.
Dimensions:

Dimensions of torque is [ M L2 T −2 ]

Torque, energy and work done has same dimensions.

Direction:
Torque is a vector quantity its direction is perpendicular to the plane
containing r⃗ ∧⃗
F.
Sign convention:
Anti-clockwise torque is taken as positive.
Clockwise torque is taken as negative.
Importance / significance of Torque:
Torque is a physical quantity which produces angular acceleration in the body.
Torque plays same role in angular motion as that of that of force in linear
motion. Torque is angular analogue of force.
Magnitude: τ =rF Sinθ
τ =rF
Maximum Torque: When r⃗ ∧⃗ F are parallel ( θ=0 ° ) or anti-parallel ( θ=180° ) to
each other, then Torque will be minimum.
τ =r F Sin0 ° ; τ =r F Sin180 °
τ =0 ; τ =0
Torque will also be zero if moment arm r⃗ will be zero.
τ =( 0 ) F
τ =0
It means that line of action of force passes through the axis of rotation.

Equilibrium

“If a body under the action of a number of forces is either at rest of moving with
uniform velocity then body is said to be in equilibrium.”
 Types:
i. Static equilibrium
ii. Dynamic equilibrium

i. Static Equilibrium: If a body is at rest (v = 0, a = 0), it is said to be in static

equilibrium.

Examples: (i) A picture hanging on a wall. (ii) A book lying on table. (iii) Tug of
war.
ii. Dynamic Equilibrium: If a body is moving with uniform velocity or rotating
with uniform angular velocity, it is said to be in dynamic equilibrium.
Examples: (i) A paratrooper moving downwards. (ii) A car moving with
constant velocity.
Conditions of Equilibrium
First condition of Equilibrium (Condition of force):
“vector sum of all the force acting on a body must the equal to null vector”.
Mathematically:
In case of coplanar force, this condition is expressed in terms of x and y
components.
 ∑ F X =0 Sum of x-components of all the forces must be zero
 ∑ F y =0 Sum of y-components of all the forces must be zero

Convention:
 If right ward forces are taken as positive then leftward forces are taken
as negative.
 If upward forces are taken as positive then downward forces are taken as
negative.

Second condition of Equilibrium (Condition of torques):

“vector sun of all the torques acting on a body must be equal to null vector”
Mathematically:

∑ ⃗τ =0⃗
Translational Equilibrium:
When 1st condition of equilibrium is satisfied, linear acceleration of the body is
zero (a = 0) then body is in translational equilibrium.
Rotational Equilibrium:
When 2nd condition of equilibrium is satisfied, angular acceleration of the body
is zero (α =0 ¿ then body is in rotational equilibrium.
Complete Equilibrium:
For a body to be in complete equilibrium, both conditions must be satisfied i.e.
linear acceleration and angular acceleration should be equal to zero.

Short Questions

2.1: Define terms (i) unit vector (ii) position vector (iii) components of a
vector.
(i) Unit vector: A vector whose magnitude is one in a given direction is
called unit vector. It represent the direction of a given vector.
⃗
A
^A=
⃗
A
(ii) Position vector: A vector locates the position of an object / particle /
point with respect to origin is called position vector.
It is denoted by τ⃗ .
Position vector in plane
τ⃗ =a ^j+ b ^j
Position vector in space
τ⃗ =a ^j+ b ^j+c ^j

(iii) Component of a Vector:

The effective value of a vector in a particular direction is known as
Component of a vector. A vector may be split into two or more
components. i.e.
A X =Cosθ∧A y = ASinθ

2.2: The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What can be
the orientation of vectors.
If three vectors are added in Cyclic order by head to tail rule to form a
triangle, their resultant will zero.
Explanation:
Consider three vectors ⃗
A,⃗
B ∧⃗
C . If these are oriented such that
they represent sides of a triangle then their resultant will be zero. i.e.
⃗
A+ ⃗ ⃗ =0⃗
B +C

2.3: A vector ⃗ A lies in xy-plane. (i) For what orientation will both the
rectangular components be negative? (ii) For what orientation will its
components have opposite signs?
(i) When ⃗A lies in 3rd quadrant then both of its rectangular components will be
negative.

nd
(ii) When ⃗
A lies in 2 and 4th quadrant, components

of vector will have opposite signs.

2.4: If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero, can its
magnitude be zero? Explain.
No, its magnitude cannot be equal to zero.
Explanation:
As magnitude of ⃗
A is:

A=√ A 2X + A 2y

 If A X =0∧ A y ≠ 0
A=√ 0+ A 2y = √ A 2y
A=A y

 If A y =0∧ A X ≠ 0
A=√ A 2X=0= √ A2X
A=A X

Hence, magnitude can only be zero if magnitude of all the components is zero.

2.5: Can a vector has components greater than the vectors magnitude?
No. magnitude of rectangular component of a vector cannot be greater than its
magnitude.
Reason:
As magnitude of ⃗
A is:

A=√ A 2X + A 2y
2 2 2
A = A X+ A y
2 2 2 2
A ≥ AX;A ≥ Ay
A≥ AX; A≥ Ay

So magnitude of a vector can be equal to or greater than magnitude of its

rectangular component.
Notes: Magnitude of component of vector other than rectangular component
may be greater than vector’s magnitude.

2.6: Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?

No, magnitude of a vector cannot have negative value.
Reason:
As magnitude of ⃗
A is:
2 2
A=A X + A y

Magnitude includes the square of components. square changes a negative

value into positive. So magnitude of a vector can never give a negative value.

2.7: If ⃗A+ ⃗
B= ⃗0, what can you say about components of two vectors ?
If ⃗
A+ ⃗
B= ⃗0 then their respective components will be of equal magnitude but in
opposite directions.
Explanation:
⃗
A+ ⃗
B= ⃗0

( A X i^ + A y ^j ) + ( B X i^ + B y ^j ) =0 i^ + 0 ^j
^ ^j
( A X + B X ) + ( A y +B y )=0 i+0
^ ^j:
Comparing coefficients of i∧
A X +B X =0; A y + B y =0

A X =−B X ; A y =−B y
 2.8: Under what circumstances, would a vector has components that are
equal in magnitude?
A vector has components equal in magnitude of it make angle of 45 ∘ with x-
axis.
Proof:
AX= A y

A Cosθ= Asinθ
A Sinθ
=1
A Cosθ
Tanθ=1
−1
θ=ta n (1)
θ=45 °

2.9: Is it possible to add a vector quantity into a scalar quantity?

No. it is not possible.
Reason:
A scalar and a vector quantity are two different quantities.
A scalar quantity only has magnitude while a vector quantity has magnitude
and direction.
Scalars are added by arithmetic rule while vectors are added by head to tail
rule.

2.10:Can you add zero to a null vector?

No, we cannot add zero to a null vector.
Reason:
Zero is a scalar quantity and null vector is a vector quantity.
Both are two different physical quantities. Since different quantities cannot be
added, so we cannot add zero to a null vector.

2.11: Two vectors have unequal magnitudes, can their sum be zero?
No, their sum cannot be equal to zero.
Reason:
Their sum can only be zero if both vectors have same magnitude and opposite
direction.
 2.12: Show that sum and difference of two perpendicular vectors of equal
lengths are also perpendicular and of same length.
Proof:

a) ( ⃗A+ ⃗
B) . (⃗
A−⃗B )= ⃗
A.⃗
A−⃗ A.⃗
B +⃗
B.⃗
A−⃗
B.⃗
B
( ⃗A+ ⃗
B) . (⃗
A−⃗ B )= A − ⃗
2
A .⃗B +⃗
A.⃗
B −B
2

( ⃗A+ ⃗
B) . (⃗
A−⃗
B )= A2−B2
As A = B

( ⃗A+ ⃗
B) . (⃗
A−⃗
B )= A 2 − A 2

( ⃗A+ ⃗
B) . (⃗
A−⃗
B )=0

Which show ( ⃗
A+ ⃗
B ) ∧( ⃗
A−⃗
B ) are pendicular to each other.

b) As ⃗
R =⃗
A +⃗
B

Magnitude: R=√ A 2+ B2 …………..(i)

& ⃗
R '=⃗
A−⃗
B

R' = √ A2 + (−B )
2
Magnitude:

R' = √ A2 + B2 ……….(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
R=R '

So ( ⃗
A+ ⃗
B ) ∧( ⃗
A−⃗
B ) are of same length.

2.13: How would two vectors of same magnitudes have to be oriented, if

they were to be combined to give a resultant equal to a vector of same
magnitude?
When angle between the vector is 120 ° , they give resultant vector equal in
magnitude to the magnitude of either vector.
Proof:

R=√ ( A ) + ( B ) +2 ABCosθ
2 2
As

A=B=R

Since A=√ A 2+ A 2+ 2 A 2 Cosθ

Squaring both sides,
2 2 2
A =2 A +2 A Cosθ
 2 2 2
A =2 A +2 A Cosθ
2 2
− A +2 A Cosθ

Cosθ=− ( −12 )
θ=120°

2.14: The two vectors to be combined have magnitudes 60 N and 35 N.

pick the correct answer from those given and tell why is it the only one of
the three that is correct (i) 100 N (ii) 70 N (iii) 20 N
Correct answer is 70 N.
Reason:
Maximum result = 60 N + 35 N = 95 N
Minimum result = 60 N + 35 N = 25 N
It shows range of resultant is between 25 N and 95 N. SO 100 N and 20N are
out of the range.
Thus 70N is correct answer which is within this range.

2.15: Suppose sides of a polygon represent vector arranged head to tail

rule. What is sum of vectors?
Sum of these vectors will be Null vector.
Explanation:
Consider a 6 sided polygon. Each of its sides
Represents vectors arranged by head to tail rule.
As it becomes a closed figure so:
⃗
A+ ⃗ ⃗ +⃗
B +C D +⃗
E+ ⃗
F =0⃗

2.16: If all the components of ⃗

A1and ⃗
A2 were reversed, how would this
alter ⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 ?
It would not alter ⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 .

Proof:

Let ⃗
A 1= ⃗ ^ ⃗
A 1 X i+ A 1 z ^j k^
A 1 y ^j+ ⃗ & ⃗
A 2= ⃗ ^ ⃗
A 2 X i+ A 2 z ^j k^
A 2 y ^j+ ⃗

| |
i^ ^j k^
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 = − A1 X − A 1 y − A1 z ………………..(1)
− A2 X − A 2 y − A2 z
Reversing components,
⃗
A ' 1= ⃗ ^ ⃗
A 1 X i+ A 1 z ^j k^
A 1 y ^j+ ⃗ & ⃗
A ' 2 =⃗ ^ ⃗
A 2 X i+ A 2 z ^j k^
A 2 y ^j+ ⃗

| |
i^ ^j k^
⃗
A '1 × ⃗
A ' 2= − A1 X − A 1 y − A 1 z
− A2 X − A 2 y − A2 z

| |
i^ ^j k^
⃗
A ' 1× ⃗
A ' 2=(−1 ) (−1 ) A 1X A 1 y A 1z
A 2X A 2 y A 2z

| |
i^ ^j k^
⃗
A '1 × ⃗
A ' 2= A1 X A1 y A1 z ……………………(ii)
A2 X A2 y A 2 z

From (i) and (ii) ⃗

A1 × ⃗
A2 =⃗
A ' 1× ⃗
A '2

2.17: Name three different conditions that could make ⃗

A1 × ⃗
A2 =⃗0.
Conditions:
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 =⃗0

(i) ⃗
A1 is a null vector.
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 =⃗0 × ⃗
A2= ⃗0
(ii) ⃗
A1 is a null vector.
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 =⃗
A 1 × ⃗0= ⃗0
(iii) A and ⃗
⃗ A2 are parallel.
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 =A 1 × A 2=sin ( 0 ° ) n^ = ⃗0
(iv) A and ⃗
⃗ A2 are anti-parallel.
⃗
A1 × ⃗
A2 =A 1 × A 2=sin ( 180 ° ) n^ =0⃗

2.18: Identify true or false statements and explain the reason.

(a) A body in equilibrium implies that that it is not moving nor rotating.
(b) If coplanar forces acting on a body form a closed polygon, then the
body is said to be in equilibrium.
a) it is a false statement.
Reason:
 A body at rest or not rotating is in static equilibrium.
But a body can be in dynamic equilibrium if it is moving with uniform
velocity.
b) It is a true statement.
Reason:
Sum of forces acting in the form of close polygon is zero. So 1 st condition of
equilibrium is satisfied.
i.e. body is in translational equilibrium.
2.19: A picture is hanging from a wall by two strings. Show by diagram
the configuration of the strings for which the tension in the string will be
minimum.
The tension will be minimum when strings are vertical (i.e. at 90 ° )
Explanation:
According to 1st condition of equilibrium

∑ F y =0
TSinθ+ TSinθ−w=0
2 TSinθ=w
w
T=
2 Sinθ
Tension will be minimum when Sinθ is maximum.
i.e. Sinθ=1
θ=90 °
w
So T=
2 Sinθ
w
T=
2
2.20: Can a body rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of its
weight?
No, a body rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of its weight.
Reason:
In this case, whole weight of body acts on the centre of
gravity
so moment arm is zero i.e. r =0
So, τ =rF Sinθ
τ =(0) F Sinθ
τ =0