SCALARS AND VECTORS

By
Engr. CHIA, SHIAONDO KENNETH;
NCE[Maths/Physics], B. Eng [Elect/Elect], M. Eng [Digital Electronics/Computers Engineering]
Email: [email protected]. Phone: +2347037689917
CHRIST ANGLICAN COLLEGE, GWAGWALADA, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

Contents:
Concept of scalars and vectors
Addition of vectors
Representation of vectors
Class work
Practice Exercises [Exam Prototype]
Resolution of Vectors
Components of Vectors
Resultant of more than two vectors
Class work
Home work
Practices Exercises [Exam Prototypes]

1 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
 SCALAR AND VECTOR QUANTITIES
In Physics, we often use the terms force, speed, velocity and work, and these quantities are
classified as a scalar or vector quantities. A scalar quantity is a physical quantity with only
magnitudes, such as mass and electric charge. On the other hand, a vector quantity is a physical
quantity that has both magnitudes and directions like force and weight. First, you are required
to be familiar with vectors and scalars.
What Is a Scalar Quantity?
A scalar quantity is defined as the physical quantity with only magnitude and no direction.
Such physical quantities can be described just by their numerical value without directions. The
addition of these physical quantities follows the simple rules of algebra, and here, only their
magnitudes are added.
Examples of Scalar Quantities
Some common examples of scalar quantities include: Mass, Speed, Distance, Time, Volume,
Density, Temperature. These quantities are fully described by indicating their value
(magnitude) and appropriate unit, without needing to specify a direction.
What Is a Vector Quantity?
A vector quantity is defined as the physical quantity that has both directions as well as
magnitude. A vector with a value of magnitude equal to one is called a unit vector and is
represented by a lowercase alphabet with a “hat” circumflex, i.e. û.
Examples of Vector Quantities
Some common examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, acceleration,
force, linear momentum, angular velocity, and the electric field. Each of these quantities
requires both a value and a direction to be fully described.

2 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Difference Between Scalars and Vectors
The difference between Scalars and Vectors is crucial to understand in physics learning.
We have listed the various differences between a scalar and vector in the table below:
Vector Scalar
Definition A physical quantity with both the A physical quantity with
magnitude and direction. only magnitude.
Representation A number (magnitude), direction using A number (magnitude) and
unit cap or arrow at the top and unit. unit
Symbol Quantity symbol in bold and an arrow Quantity symbol
sign above
Direction Yes No
Examples Displacement, velocity, acceleration, Mass, Speed, Distance,
force, linear momentum, angular Time, Volume, Density,
velocity, and the electric field. Temperature.

Vector Representation
Vectors are typically represented using symbols with arrows placed above them to distinguish
them from scalar quantities as follows:
→ →
𝐴𝐵, BC.

Alternatively, single letters can also represent vectors as follows:

→ →
Velocity = 𝑣, Force = 𝐹 .

Arrow notation is a visual representation of vectors, indicating their magnitude and direction.
It is used in diagrams or coordinate systems to represent vectors, with the length representing
magnitude and the direction indicating orientation. Understanding vector representation

3 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
methods is crucial for effective problem-solving and communication in fields that use vector
quantities extensively, facilitating easier analysis and manipulation.
Geometric Representation of Vectors
Geometric representation is a useful method for visually depicting vectors, using an arrow
symbol to indicate the vector's length, direction, and overall characteristics. This approach
helps in understanding the relationship between vector length, direction, and overall
characteristics, making it an essential tool in vector analysis.

The vector shown in the diagram can be written as vector OQ, and its magnitude is written as
|OQ|.
Rectangular Notation
The Rectangular Notation approach is a vector representation method that uses a rectangular
coordinate system to define a vector's position in the coordinate plane. Vectors are expressed
as ordered pairs or triples of numbers, depending on the dimension. The horizontal axis
represents the x-component, the vertical axis represents the y-component, and the additional
depth axis represents the z-component in three dimensions. This method allows for easy vector
addition, subtraction, scaling, and conversion between representations, making it a versatile
tool for manipulating vectors in various mathematical applications.
In this type of vector representation, the vector is located in a rectangular coordinate system,
as illustrated below:

4 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Polar notation
Polar notation is a mathematical notation that emphasizes the magnitude and angle of a vector.
It takes a non-negative value (r ≥ 0) and measures the vector's angle θ with respect to the
positive x-axis. This notation is useful for analyzing circular or radial motions, as it aligns
with angles and rotations. Polar notation also facilitates mathematical operations involving
vectors, such as addition, subtraction, and scaling, by applying trigonometric principles.
Equality of Vectors
Vector equality is the principle that two vectors are equal when they have the same magnitude
and direction. This applies to comparing vectors of the same physical quantity, such as force
or velocity. However, comparing the same magnitude vectors in different directions does not
yield equality. Consistency in both magnitude and direction is crucial for accurate assessment
and equivalence within specific contexts, making it essential for mathematical analysis and
scientific applications.
Addition and Subtraction of Vectors
The addition and subtraction of scalar quantities typically follow the rules of normal
arithmetic because scalars are defined solely by their magnitude (numerical value) and do not
involve direction.
Key Points:
i. Scalars can be added or subtracted directly, just like regular numbers.
ii. You only need to consider the magnitude (value) and the unit.
5 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Example of Scalar Addition:
If you have two masses, say 3 kg and 5 kg, the total mass is simply:
3 kg + 5 kg = 8 kg
Example of Scalar Subtraction:
If you have a temperature difference of 25°C in one location and 15°C in another, the
difference is:
25∘C − 15∘C = 10∘C
For scalar quantities, operations like addition and subtraction are straightforward and follow
the same principles as regular arithmetic. Only the magnitudes are involved, without any
regard for direction.
Vectors are unique in that they possess both magnitude and direction. Unlike scalar
quantities, vector quantities cannot be simply added together using standard arithmetic. The
process of vector addition must account for both the magnitude and direction of the vectors
involved. This lesson will guide you through the concept of vector addition, illustrating how
vectors combine and how the resultant vector is determined.
Understanding Vector Addition
When two or more vectors are added together, the result is called the resultant vector. Vector
addition can be performed in two ways:
i. When vectors are in the same direction: The magnitudes of the vectors are simply
added.
ii. When vectors are in opposite directions: The magnitudes are subtracted, and the
resultant has the direction of the larger vector.
iii. When vectors have an angle between them: The resultant is found using geometric
methods such as the parallelogram law or triangle method.

6 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Example 1: Vectors in the Same Direction
Consider two forces acting along the same line. If P = 6 N and Q = 5 N, and both forces are
acting in the same direction (say, to the right), the resultant force R is simply the sum of the
magnitudes of both vectors:
R = P+Q = 6 N+5 N = 11 N

This is similar to the way you would add scalars, but it works because the vectors are both in
the same direction.
Example 2: Vectors in Opposite Directions
Now consider two forces, P = 6 N and Q = 5 N, but this time, they act in opposite directions
(e.g., one to the right and one to the left). In this case, the resultant vector R is the difference
between the magnitudes of the two vectors:
R = P−Q =6 N−5 N =1 N

The direction of the resultant vector will be the same as the direction of the larger vector,
which in this example is P (to the right).
Example 3: Opposing Displacements
Let’s consider a real-world example involving displacement. A car travels 10 miles north and
then 10 miles south. The total distance traveled is:
Distance = 10 miles (North)+10 miles (South) = 20 miles.
However, since the car ends up at the same starting point, the displacement is zero, as the two
displacements cancel each other out:
Displacement = 10 miles (North)−10 miles (South) =0 miles.
7 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
This is a clear example of how vector addition takes into account both magnitude and
direction, which is different from scalar addition.
There are a few conditions that are applicable for any vector addition, they are:
a. Scalars and vectors can never be added.
b. For any two vectors to be added, they must be of the same nature. Example, velocity should
be added with velocity and not with force.

Class Work
Find the resultant of the forces acting below:

1) 2) 3)

Resolution of Vectors
Components of Vectors:
In the previous cases, we have forces that are all parallel to one another. It's time to consider
the case in which an object is subject to two forces that are not parallel.
Resultant of Vectors Inclined at an Angle
Consider the following vector r; the vector r can be resolved into horizontal and vertical
components. These two components add up to give us the resultant vector, i.e. vector r.

How do we calculate the rectangular components of a given vector?

8 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
We should know that there are two rectangular components for a vector, i.e. the horizontal
component and the vertical component. The horizontal component lies on the x-axis, whereas
the vertical component lies on the y-axis,
Think of it this way; the horizontal component will resemble the shadow of the vector r falling
on the x-axis if the light were shining from above. Similarly, the vertical component will
resemble the shadow of vector r falling on the y-axis if the light were shining from the side.

Now let us call the vertical component vector Ry and the horizontal vector as vector Rx and let
us call the angle made by the vector, R with the horizontal component as θ.
If we notice carefully the three vectors Ry, Rx and R form the three sides of a right-angled
triangle, so from trigonometry we can say that,
Rx = Rcosθ
The reason is for the angle θ, R is the hypotenuse, and Rx is the adjacent side,
adj
so = cosine of the angle, so from this rule, we can find the magnitude of the horizontal
hyp

vector given that we know the magnitude of the vector r and the angle it makes with the
horizontal vector.
Similarly, the magnitude of the vertical component can be found using the sine function
opp
because the vertical component resembles the opposite side of the triangle and = sine of
hyp

the angle thereby, the magnitude of the vertical component is given by,
Ry = Rsinθ

9 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Example 1. Consider a block subjected to two forces, F1 and F2. F1 has a magnitude of
50 N and is applied at a 45° angle, whereas F2 has a magnitude of 60 N and is applied
horizontally, as shown in the free-body diagram below:

Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant force R.

Solution
The first step is to draw coordinate axes on our free-body diagram.
Since one of the two forces is horizontal, for convenience, we choose the x-axis horizontal,
and the y-axis vertical, and we place the origin at the center of our block:

The next step is to determine the x and y components of all the forces that act on the
block:

F1x = F1 cos 45° F1y = F1 sin 45°

F2x = F2 F2y = 0

10 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Now comes the important part:
If we sum all the x components, we will get the x component of the resultant force:
F1x + F2x = Rx
Rx = F1x + F2x
Rx = F1 cos 45° + F2
Rx = (50 N) (cos 45°) + 60 N
Rx = 95 N
Similarly, if we sum all the y components, we will get the y component of the resultant
force:
F1y + F2y = Ry
Ry = F1y + F2y
Ry = F1 sin 45° + 0
Ry = F1 sin 45°
Ry = (50 N) (sin 45°)
Ry = 35 N
At this point, we know the x and y components of R, which we can use to find the magnitude
and direction of R:
Rx = 95 N
Ry = 35 N

11 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
The magnitude of R can be calculated by applying Pythagoras' Theorem:
R = √Rx2 + Ry2
R = √952 + 352 N = 100 N
The angle θ that R makes with Rx can be calculated using trigonometry:
Ry
θ = tan-1
Rx
35 N
θ = tan-1 = 20°
95 N
Thus, the resultant force R has magnitude 100 N and direction angle of 20°.
When two vectors are perpendicular (inclined at 90° to each other), we can find the resultant
vector (the combined effect of the two vectors) using the following steps:
Step 1: Use Pythagoras’ Theorem
If two vectors, A and B, are at right angles, the magnitude of the resultant vector R is given
by:

R
B

θ
A

R = ඥA2 + B 2
Step 2: Use Trigonometry to Find the Direction
The direction (angle) of the resultant vector can be found using trigonometric ratios. If θ is the
angle between the resultant vector and vector A, then:
opp B
Tanθ = =
Adj A

To find the angle θ, take the inverse tangent (arctan or tan −1):
12 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
 B
θ = tan−1 ( )
A

Example 2: Finding the Resultant of Two Perpendicular Vectors

Two forces, F1=4 N and F2=3 N, act at right angles to each other. Find the magnitude and
direction of the resultant force.
Solution:
Magnitude: Using Pythagoras' Theorem:

Direction: The angle θ between F1 and the resultant force R is given by:

Thus, the magnitude of the resultant force is 5 N, and the direction is 36.87° with respect to
F1.
Example 3: Velocity of a Boat in a River
A boat is moving at 8 m/s across a river, while the river current flows at 6 m/s perpendicular
to the boat’s motion. Find the resultant velocity of the boat.
Solution:
Magnitude: The boat’s velocity (vb) and the river current (vr) are perpendicular to each other.
Thus, the resultant velocity vr is:

13 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Direction: The angle θ between the boat’s velocity and the resultant velocity is:

Therefore, the resultant velocity is 10 m/s, and the direction is 36.87° relative to the boat’s
motion.
Example 4: Displacement of a Hiker
A hiker walks 6 km east and then 8 km north. What is the magnitude and direction of the
hiker’s resultant displacement?
Solution:
Magnitude: The displacement vectors are perpendicular, so the resultant displacement is:

Direction: The angle θ between the eastward displacement and the resultant displacement is:

Thus, the hiker’s resultant displacement is 10 km at an angle of 53.13° north of east.

14 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Classwork
1. Two perpendicular forces of 5 N and 12 N act on an object. Calculate the magnitude of the
resultant force and its direction relative to the 5 N force.
2. A plane is flying with a velocity of 200 m/s due east, while a wind is blowing from the
north at 50 m/s. Determine the plane’s resultant velocity and the angle at which it is flying
relative to the east.
3. A car moves 3 m east and then 4 m north. Find the car's resultant displacement and the
angle of the displacement from the east.

Homework Assignment
1. Two forces of 6 N and 8 N act at right angles to each other. Find the resultant force and its
direction relative to the 6 N force.
2. A cyclist rides 7 km east and then 5 km north. Calculate:
a) The magnitude of the cyclist’s resultant displacement.
b) The direction of the displacement relative to the east.
3. A ship sails 15 km west and then 20 km south. Find the magnitude of the ship’s resultant
displacement and the direction of the resultant displacement relative to the west.
4. A person walks 12 km north and then 9 km east. What is the magnitude of the resultant
displacement, and what angle does it make with the northward direction?
5. Two vectors P = 6 N and Q = 8 N are inclined at an angle of 90° to each other. Use the
Triangle Law to find:
a) The magnitude of the resultant vector.
b) The direction of the resultant vector with respect to Q.
6. A person walks 4 km north and then 3 km west. Use the Triangle Law to find:
a) The magnitude of the resultant displacement.

15 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
b) The direction of the resultant displacement relative to the north.
7. Two forces of 10 N and 15 N act on an object at an angle of 60°. Use the Triangle Law to
find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force.

Summary
a) Vectors inclined at right angles can be added using Pythagoras’ Theorem to find the
magnitude of the resultant vector.
b) The direction of the resultant vector can be determined using trigonometric ratios such as
the tangent function.
c) These concepts are commonly used in problems involving forces, velocities, and
displacements in two dimensions.
Triangle Law of Vector Addition
Triangle law of vector addition states that when two vectors are represented as two sides of
the triangle with the order of magnitude and direction, then the third side of the triangle
represents the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

Triangle law of vector addition

To obtain the resultant vector, we use the following rule:
→ → →
𝑅 = A + B.

16 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
This method of vector addition is a geometrical method, where vectors are added graphically
by forming a triangle.
Steps to Use the Triangle Law of Vector Addition:
→
1. Draw the first vector A, to scale in the specified direction.
→
2. From the head of the first vector, draw the second vector B, to scale in the specified

direction.
→ →
3. Draw the resultant vector 𝑅, from the tail of the first vector A, to the head of the second
→
vector B.
→
4. Measure the length of the resultant vector 𝑅, which gives the magnitude of the resultant.
→ →
The direction of 𝑅, can be determined by measuring the angle between 𝑅, and one of the

original vectors.

Class Work. Adding Two Vectors Using the Triangle Law

→ →
Two displacement vectors, 𝐴=5 m east and 𝐵=7 m north, need to be added using the
Triangle Law of Vector Addition. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.
Solution Hint:
→
1. Draw vector A, pointing 5 m east.
→ →
2. From the head of A, draw vector B, pointing 7 m north.
→ → →
3.The resultant vector 𝑅, is the diagonal of the triangle formed by A, and B, pointing
→ →
from the tail of A, to the head of B.
When two vectors are inclined at right angles (i.e., at 90° to each other), they can be added
using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric functions. This type of vector addition
is common in problems involving forces, velocity, and displacement.

17 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition
In vector theory, the sum of two vectors can be found using the parallelogram law of vector
addition. We examine the triangle law of vector addition and the parallelogram law of vector
addition as two vector addition laws. When two vectors need to be added form the two adjacent
sides of a parallelogram by joining their tails, the parallelogram law of vector addition is
applied to add the two vectors. The diagonal of the parallelogram that passes across the tails
of the two vectors then yields the sum of the two vectors.
What is Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition?
The parallelogram law of vector addition is the process of adding vectors geometrically.
This law says, "Two vectors can be arranged as adjacent sides of a parallelogram such that
their tails attach with each other and the sum of the two vectors is equal to the diagonal of the
parallelogram whose tail is the same as the two vectors".
Consider the vectors P and Q in the figure below. To find their sum:
Step 1: Draw the vectors P and Q such that their tails touch each other.
Step 2: Complete the parallelogram by drawing the other two sides.
Step 3: The diagonal of the parallelogram that has the same tail as the
vectors P and Q represents the sum of the two vectors. i.e., P + Q = R.

Note that the vector R is called the resultant vector (of P and Q).

18 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Parallelogram Law of Vectors Formula
Consider two vectors P and Q with an angle θ between them. The sum of vectors P and Q is
given by the vector R, the resultant sum vector using the parallelogram law of vector addition.
If the resultant vector R makes an angle β with the vector P, then the formulas for its
magnitude and direction are:

|R| = ඥ(P2 + Q2 + 2PQ cos θ)

(Q sin θ)
β = tan-1[ ]
(P + Q cos θ)

Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition Proof

Let us first see the statement of the parallelogram law of vectors:
Statement of Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition: If two vectors can be represented by
the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram drawn from a point, then their resultant sum vector
is represented completely by the diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from the same point.
Now, to prove the formula of the parallelogram law, we consider two
vectors P and Q represented by the two adjacent sides OB and OA of the parallelogram
OBCA, respectively. The angle between the two vectors is θ. The sum of these two vectors is
represented by the diagonal drawn from the same vertex O of the parallelogram, the resultant
sum vector R which makes an angle β with the vector P.
Proof of Parallelogram Law of Vectors

19 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Extend the vector P till D such that CD is perpendicular to OD. Since OB is parallel to AC,
therefore the angle AOB is equal to the angle CAD as they are corresponding angles, i.e.,
angle CAD = θ. Now, first, we will derive the formula for the magnitude of the resultant
vector R (side OC). Note that
|P| =P
|Q| =Q
|R| =R
In right-angled triangle OCD, by Pythagoras theorem, we have
OC2 = OD2 + DC2
OC2 = (OA + AD)2 + DC2 (1)
In the right triangle CAD, we have
AD DC
cos θ = and sin θ =
AC AC

AD = AC cos θ and DC = AC sin θ

AD = Q cos θ and DC = Q sin θ (2)
Substituting values from (2) in (1), we have
R2 = (P + Q cos θ)2 + (Q sin θ)2
R2 = P2 + Q2cos2θ + 2PQ cos θ + Q2sin2θ
R2 = P2 + 2PQ cos θ + Q2(cos2θ + sin2θ)
R2 = P2 + 2PQ cos θ + Q2 [cos2θ + sin2θ = 1]
cos2θ + sin2θ = 1 is a proved trigonometric ratio.
R = √ (P2 + 2PQ cos θ + Q2) which is the magnitude of the resultant
vector R
Next, we will determine the direction of the resultant vector. We have in right triangle ODC,
DC
tan β =
OD

20 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
 𝑄 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
tan β = [From (2)]
(𝑂𝐴 + 𝐴𝐷)

𝑄 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
tan β = [From (2)]
(P + Q cos θ)

𝑄 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
β = tan-1[ ] Direction of the resultant vector R
(P + Q cos θ)

Some Special Cases of Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition

Now, we know the formula to determine the magnitude and direction of the sum of the two
vectors. Let us consider a few special cases and substitute the values in the formula:
When the Two Vectors are Parallel (Same Direction)
If vectors P and Q are parallel, then we have θ = 0°. Substituting this in the formula of
parallelogram law of vectors, we have

|R| = R = ට(𝑃2 + 2PQ cos 0 + 𝑄2 )

= ට(𝑃2 + 2PQ + 𝑄2 ) [Because Cos 0 = 1]

= ට(P + Q)2

=P+Q
𝑄 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
β = tan-1[ ]
(P + Q cos θ)

𝑄 𝑠𝑖𝑛 0
= tan-1[ ]
(P + Q cos θ)

0
= tan-1[ ] [Because sin 0 = 0]
(P + Q cos θ)

= 0°
When the Two Vectors are Acting in Opposite Direction
If vectors P and Q are acting in opposite directions, then we have θ = 180°. Substituting this
in the formula of parallelogram law of vector addition, we have

21 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
 |R| = ඥ(P2 + 2PQ cos 180° + Q2)

= ඥ(P2 − 2PQ + Q2) [Because cos 180° = -1]

= ට(P − Q)2 or ට(Q − P)2

= P - Q or Q - P
(Q sin 180°)
β = tan-1[ ]
(P + Q cos 180°)

0
= tan-1[ ] = 0]
(P + Q cos θ)

= 0° or 180°
Important Notes on Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition:
To apply the parallelogram law of vector addition, the two vectors are joined at the tails of
each other and form the adjacent sides of a parallelogram.
When the two vectors are parallel, then the magnitude of their resultant vector can be
determined by simply adding the magnitudes of the two vectors.
The triangle law and the parallelogram rule of vector addition are equivalent and give the same
value as the resultant vector.

Resultant of more than two vectors

Finally, let's examine the case in which an object is subject to more than two non-parallel
forces.
Example 5. An object is subject to three forces, F1, F2, and F3. The magnitude of each force
is shown below:
F1 = 10 N
F2 = 20 N
F3 = 40 N.
calculate the magnitude and direction
22 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Solution
Let’s determine the x and y components of the individual forces:

F1x = F1 F1y = 0
F2x = 0 F2y = F2
F3x = −F3 cos 60° F3y = −F3 sin 60°
Again, the x component of the resultant force R is the sum of all x components:
Rx = F1x + F2x + F3x
Rx = F1 + 0 + (−F3 cos 60°)
Rx = F1 − F3 cos 60°
Rx = 10 N − (40 N) (cos 60°)
Rx = −10 N
23 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Similarly, the y component of R is the sum of all y components:
Ry = F1y + F2y + F3y
Ry = 0 + F2 + (−F3 sin 60°)
Ry = F2 − F3 sin 60°
Ry = 20 N − (40 N) (sin 60°)
Ry = −15 N
Finally, let's calculate the magnitude and direction of R using its two components Rx and Ry:
Rx = −10 N
Ry = −15 N

R = √Rx2 + Ry2
R = √ (−10)2 + (−15)2 N = 18 N
𝑅𝑥
θ = tan-1[ ]
𝑅𝑥

−15
= tan-1
−10

= tan-1 1.5
= 56o
To express the direction of R, we need to calculate the direction angle (i.e. the
counterclockwise angle that R makes with the positive x-axis), which in our case is 180° + θ,
i.e. 236°.

24 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
 The process that we used in this case and in the previous one to find the resultant force when
the forces are not parallel can also be used when all the forces are parallel. In fact, it can be
used in any case – it's a generic process. However, in the cases of parallel forces, we
recommend using the much simpler processes that we described before.
Here's a quick summary of the generic process:
1. Draw a free-body diagram of the object
2. Draw coordinate axes on the free-body diagram
3. Decompose the forces acting on the object into x and y components
4. Calculate the x and y components of the resultant force by adding the x and y components of
all forces
5. Finally, find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force by using
its x and y components
Example 6. Three forces act on a point as follows:
Vector 𝐀: 50 N at an angle of 30° from the positive x-axis.
Vector 𝐁: 70 N at an angle of 120° from the positive x-axis.
Vector 𝐂: 40 N at an angle of 225° from the positive x-axis
Find the resultant vector in terms of both magnitude and direction.
Solution
We'll break each vector into its x-component and y-component using the formulas:

Afterward, we'll sum the x-components and y-components to find the total Rx and Ry. Finally,
we'll calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector using the Pythagorean theorem:

And the direction of the resultant vector:

25 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
We'll compute the x and y components for each vector step-by-step:

Step 1: Sum the Components

Sum of the x-components:

Sum of the y-components:

Step 2: Resultant Magnitude

To find the magnitude of the resultant vector RRR, we use the Pythagorean theorem:

Substituting the values of Rx and Ry:

R ≈ 60.69N
Step 3: Resultant Direction (Angle)

26 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
To find the angle θR of the resultant vector, we use the formula:

Substituting the values of Ry and Rx:

θR ≈ −70.5∘
Since the angle is negative, the resultant vector lies in the second quadrant (because Rx is
negative and Ry is positive). To express the angle as a positive angle counterclockwise from
the positive x-axis, we add 180°:

Resultant Magnitude: R ≈ 60.69 N and Direction: θR≈109.5∘ from the positive x-axis.

Example 6. Four forces act on a point as follows:

𝐅₁: 20 N at an angle of 45° from the positive x-axis.
𝐅₂: 15 N at an angle of 135° from the positive x-axis.
𝐅₃: 25 N at an angle of 240° from the positive x-axis.
𝐅₄: 30 N at an angle of 300° from the positive x-axis.
Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on the point.
Solution
Resolve each vector into its x-component and y-component using the following formulas:

Sum up all x-components and y-components to find the total Rx and Ry.
Calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector using the Pythagorean theorem:

27 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Determine the direction of the resultant vector using:

Step 1: Break Down Each Vector into Components

We'll calculate the x and y components for each vector. The angles are given relative to the
positive x-axis.
Vector 𝐅₁ (20 N at 45°)
F1x =20cos (45∘) =20×0.707 =14.14N
F1y =20sin (45∘) =20×0.707 =14.14N
Vector 𝐅₂ (15 N at 135°)
F2x =15cos (135∘) =15× (−0.707) =−10.61N
F2y =15sin (135∘) =15×0.707 =10.61N
Vector 𝐅₃ (25 N at 240°)
F3x =25cos (240∘) =25× (−0.5) =−12.5N
F3y =25sin (240∘) =25× (−0.866) =−21.65N
Vector 𝐅₄ (30 N at 300°)
F4x =30cos (300∘) =30×0.5 =15N
F4y =30sin (300∘) =30× (−0.866) =−25.98N
Step 2: Tabular Summary of Components

Step 2: Tabular Summary of Components

Vector Magnitude (N) Angle (°) Fx (N) Fy (N)

𝐅₁ 20 45 14.14 14.14
𝐅₂ 15 135 -10.61 10.61
𝐅₃ 25 240 -12.5 -21.65
𝐅₄ 30 300 15 -25.98

28 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Step 3: Summing the Components
Now, let's sum the x-components and y-components separately.
Total x-component Rx:
Rx = F1x + F2x + F3x + F4x
Rx =14.14 + (−10.61) + (−12.5) + 15 = 6.03N
Total y-component Ry:
Ry = F1y + F2y + F3y + F4y
Ry =14.14 + 10.61 + (−21.65) + (−25.98) = −22.88N
Step 4: Resultant Magnitude
To find the magnitude of the resultant vector, use the Pythagorean theorem:

Substituting the values:

Step 5: Resultant Direction

To find the direction of the resultant vector, we use the inverse tangent function:

Substituting the values:

θR ≈ −75.2∘

29 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
Since the resultant lies in the fourth quadrant (positive Rx and negative Ry), we can interpret
the angle as:

θR = 360∘ − 75.2∘ = 284.8∘

This is the angle measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

Magnitude of the resultant vector is 23.66 N and the direction of the resultant vector is 284.8∘
from the positive x-axis.

Home Work:
1. Resolve a force of 100 N acting at an angle of 30° above the horizontal into its components.

2. Two vectors, A=15 N at 45° and B=20 N at 135° are added. Find the magnitude of the

resultant vector.
3. A truck moves 50 km east and then 30 km south. What is the resultant displacement?
4. A 60 N force acts at an angle of 25° to the horizontal. Find the horizontal and vertical
components.
5. A car travels 100 km north and then 75 km west. Find the car's resultant displacement.

Practice Exercises [Exam Prototypes]:

1. A person walks 5 meters east, then 12 meters north. What is the resultant displacement?
2. A force of 30 N acts at an angle of 60° above the horizontal. Resolve this force into its x
and y components.
3. Two forces, F1 = 40 N at 30° and F2 = 25 N at 120°, act at a point. Find the resultant force.
4. A plane flies 200 km at an angle of 45° north of east. What are the horizontal and vertical
components of its displacement?

30 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.
5. A boat sails 40 km north and 30 km west. What is the boat's resultant displacement?

6. Two vectors, A=10 N at 0° and B=15 N at 270° are added. Find the resultant vector.

7. Resolve a force of 50 N acting at 120° into its x and y components.

8. Three forces, 20 N at 0°, 15 N at 90°, and 10 N at 180°, act on a point. Find the resultant
force.

9. A vector A=25 N at 45° is added to a vector B=35 N at 135°. Find the resultant vector.

10. A force of 60 N acts at 210°. What are the x and y components of the force?

31 | Physics SS2: Engr. Chia S. K; Christ Anglican College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.