Scribd
Upload
2 views

Lesson Notes

Uploaded by

mauryagayatri0101
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Lesson Notes

Uploaded by

mauryagayatri0101
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

© The Physics Classroom www.physicsclassroom.

com/Physics-Video-Tutorial/Vectors-and-Projectiles

Analytical Method of Vector Addition


Lesson Notes

What is the Analytical Method?


Determining the resultant of two or more non-perpendicular vectors by adding all their x-
and y-components.

An Easy Problem versus A Difficult Problem


Adding Perpendicular Vectors Adding Non-Perpendicular Vectors

Simplifying a Difficult
Problem to Make it an
Easy Problem
By resolving all non-
perpendicular vectors into
right angle components, a
difficult problem can be
transformed into an easier
problem.

Trigonometric Method of Vector Resolution:


The trigonometric method of vector resolution relies on an understanding of the sine,
cosine, and tangent functions.
A Visual Example

Procedure for the Analytical Method of Vector Addition


Given 2 or more vectors to be added, use this procedure:
1. Sketch a vector addition diagram (as a quick estimate).
2. Create an x-y table; use trigonometric functions to resolve the given vectors into
components.
3. Add all components to determine the components of the resultant (R). Sketch the
resultant with Rx and Ry shown.
4. Use the Pythagorean theorem to determine the magnitude of the resultant (R).
5. Use a trigonometric function to determine the direction of the resultant (R).

Example 2
Use the 5-step method above to solve the following vector addition problem.

You might also like