UNIT 2

VECTORS
By: Alexander K
VECTORS

CONTENTS
2.1 Vectors and Types of Vectors
2.2 Graphical Method of Addition of Vectors in Two
Dimensions (2-D)
2.3 Algebraic Method of addition of vectors in Two
Dimensions (2-D)
2.4 Product of Vectors
VECTORS

 Introduction
 Many familiar physical quantities can be specified completely by
giving a single number and the appropriate unit. For example, “the
lecture lasts 45 min” or “the water tank holds 200 L” or “the
distance between two points is l00 m.”
 A physical quantity that can be specified completely in this manner
is called a scalar quantity.
 Examples of scalar quantities: Time, mass, distance, length,
volume, temperature, and energy are examples of scalar quantities.
 Many physical quantities, however, cannot be described completely
by just a single number of physical units.
VECTORS

 Conti…
 For example, a pilot flying from one airport to another must know
not only the distance between the cities but also the direction from
one city to the other so she can get to her destination as quickly as
possible.
Conti…
Physical quantities specified completely by giving a
number of units (magnitude) and a direction are called
vector quantities.
Examples of vector quantities include
displacement, velocity, position, force,
and torque e.t.c.
VECTORS

 Conti…
 We can add or subtract two vectors, and we can multiply a vector
by a scalar or by another vector, but we cannot divide by a vector.
The operation of division by a vector is not defined.
 After completing this unit you should be able to:
 familiarize themselves with basic principles of vector operations
interpret physical phenomena using the concept of vector;
 interpret physical phenomena using the concept of vector
 develop skills of using the concept of vector in solving various
problems
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
After completing this section, you should be
able to:
describe the difference between vector and
scalar quantities.
list down the common vector quantities in our
everyday life.
discuss geometric representation of vectors.
give the definitions of the different types of
vectors.
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
Brainstorming
 1. Why do we need to know the direction of some quantities
in order to have a complete sense of them? If a girl told you
that the velocity of a delivery truck was 50 km/h, has she fully
expressed the motion of the truck?
 2. Categorize the quantities listed in Table 2.1 as scalars or
vectors and prepare your own list of vector and scalar
quantities that are common in our daily practices.
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 Table 2.1 Table of physical quantities
Quantity Scalar/vector Quantity Scalar/Vector

Area Density
Distance Force
Weight distance

Pressure velocity
power Current density
electric field Electric dipole
moment
magnetic field Electric potential
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
Representation of vectors/Vector notation/
 represented by (Graphically) Geometrically or analytically
Graphically (Geometrically): represented by arrows in two or three
dimensions.
 The length of the arrow drawn to scale
represents the magnitude and the tip of
the arrow represents the direction of
the vector.
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 Example 1 :A displacement of l0 km north of east might be
represented in a diagram by a vector l cm long and a displacement
of 20 km by a vector 2 cm long.
Example 2:Displacement from a tent to a unity park is 10.3km at an
angle of 29.10 N/E.
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 Analytically :represented or denoted by bold-face letter or a letter
with an arrow above it.
Example: For a vector A: A or A
Illustration of the concept of vectors in practice
 Let’s consider few concept of vector illustrations practically in:
 Hydro power dam and force vectors
 rowing a boat and tug- of- war
 Analysis of force on an airplane
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 Hydro power dam and force vectors

 By researching the size and direction of all forces on a dam, engineers design a
structure that is able to resist all these forces,
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti…
rowing a boat and a Tug-of-war
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti…
While rowing a boat, the person pushes the water
backward using oars and the water exerts a forward force
on the boat. There are also the weight of the boat and an
upward force (upthrust) exerted by the water on the boat.
In a tag-of-war the rope is the means to transfer forces,
Figure 2.3b. The concepts of vectors plays important role
in analyzing all of the above situations
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of Vectors

 Conti…
 Analysis of force on an airplane
 When describing the movement of an airplane in flight, it is
important to communicate two pieces of information: the direction
in which the plane is traveling and the plane’s speed
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
Activity (Home work)
 Ask your friend to stand at a mark in the middle of the
volleyball field. Tell her to walk through a certain distance in
any direction she chooses. Use a measuring tape to measure
the distance between her starting point and the ending point.
Take the starting point as the origin of coordinates with the x
axis pointing toward East and the y axis toward North. Show
the displacement of the girl graphically on a graph paper.
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti...
Types of vectors
 Parallel vectors: Vectors that are in the same direction are said to
be Parallel. (See Figure a)
 Antiparallel vectors: When vectors have
opposite directions, whether their
magnitudes are the same or not,
they are Antiparallel.
(see Figure b and d)
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti…
Equal vectors: are vectors representing the same quantity
have the same magnitude and the same direction, no
matter where they are located in space. (See Figure c below)
Negative vector: is a vector that points in the direction
opposite to the reference of positive direction.(See Figure d)
For a negative vector A +B=0
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti…
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti…
Example 2.1
1. Find the negative of each of the following vectors.
1. A displacement vector= 80km toward North.(Ans: S = 80
km, toward South)
2. Velocity vector = 200km/h towards 30° southeast.(Ans: v
= 100 km/h, toward 30° North of West)
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
3. Calculate the resultant from the following force vectors diagram
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 Collinear vectors: These are vectors that lie along the same line or
parallel lines. Two vectors are collinear if they are parallel to the
same line irrespective of their magnitudes and direction.
Example: A and B are collinear vectors
 Co-planar vectors: Three or more vectors lying in the same plane or
parallel to the same plane are known as co-planar vectors.
Example: 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 are co-planer
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
Conti.
Example: Show that the vector points(2, 3, 4), (-1, -2, 1),
(5,8,7) are collinear.

Explanation: three points are collinear if the direction

ratios of AB and BC are the same
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
AB=-1-2, -2-3, 1-4=-3, -5, -3 and BC=5-(-1), 8-(-2), 7-1= 6,10, 6
 a1=-3, b1=-5, c1=-3 a2=6, b2=10, c2=6
 An example of a coplanar vector: Here are three coplanar vectors:(3,2,2), (5,0,0),
(0,4,4)
 Coinitial vectors: are defined as two
or more vectors that all begin at the
location in the coordinate system.
 Coinitial vectors may be parallel or
Intersecting.(See the Fig.to the right)
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti..
 Zero vector: A zero vector is a vector when the magnitude of the
vector is zero and the starting point of the vector coincides with the
terminal point.
 Zero vector is an identity vector and
Denoted by 𝑜 or o
Example : Two men apply equal forces
on a wooden box but in opposite directions.
Will the box move in any direction?
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 Orthogonal vectors : Vectors that are perpendicular to one
another.(See the Fig. below )
 Vector A and B are orthogonal in
the Figure.
 A unit vector: A vector which has a magnitude of unit length is
called a unit.
 A unit vector also have directions and there are three unit vectors
to specify the directions.(See Fig below)
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti..
 Unit vector i or 𝑖 is 1 unit in the x direction.
 Unit vector j or 𝑗 is 1 unit in the y direction.
 Unit vector k or 𝑘 is 1 unit in the y direction.
 we can write any vector 𝐴 in terms of its magnitude and parallel
unit vector:

 A unit vector in the direction of any

A
vector 𝐴 is given by: uA =
A
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
Unit vectors of the rectangular xy-coordinate system
 In the rectangular 𝑥𝑦 coordinate system, unit vectors are defined
in the directions of +𝑥 and +𝑦 as: 𝐴 𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥ı̂ ; 𝐴 𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦𝑗̂
 Suppose 𝐴 and 𝐵 are any two vectors in the

rectangular coordinate system given by:

A = 𝐴𝑥ı̂ + 𝐴𝑦𝑗̂ and
B = 𝐵𝑥ı̂ + 𝐵𝑦𝑗̂
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
 The magnitudes of the vector A and B are given by:
A= 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐴𝑦 2

B= 𝐵𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2

 The unit vectors can also be described in three dimension; X,Y and
Z. Thus A can be expressed as:
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
Example 2.2
1. Vector A has components A𝑥 = 4, A𝑥 =3, A𝑧 =-5.
(a) Express A in terms of unit vectors. (Ans: 4i+3j-5k)
(b) Find the magnitude of A. (Ans: 5 2)
(c) What is the unit vector in the direction of A? (Ans: left as a Tip for you!!)
(d) What is the direction of A along each direction? (Ans: left as a Tip for
you!!)
2. If A=𝛽(4𝑖 + 3𝑗), determine the value of 𝛽 that makes A a unit vector.
(𝛽=±0.2)
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti…
2. Vector A has x and y components of 4 units and 2 units,
respectively and vector B has the corresponding components of -9
units and 3 units respectively. Find : (a) the vector
components of their resultant (b) the magnitude and direction of
their resultant. {Ans: 𝐚 A =(-5i+5j) and (b) 𝛉 = 𝟒𝟓° 𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟐𝟓°}
3. An unknown vector D is added to vector C = (- 4i + 5j)units and the
resultant R = C + D has x and y components of each -1 and 1 units,
respectively Find the magnitude of the unknown vector. {Ans:D=(3,-
4)units}
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of Vectors

 Cont…
Review questions 2.1(Class work)
1. How do you represent a vector graphically?
2. Why do we use of scale diagram in vector drawing?
3. How does vector A differ from vector - A ?
4. The x and y components of a vector A are 30m and 40m
respectively. a) Express A in terms of unit vectors.
b) What is the magnitude of A and c) What is unit vector in the
direction of A d)What is direction of A?(Ans: 53°)
2.1 Lesson 1 Vectors and Types of
Vectors
 Conti
5. The vector cos𝛼cos𝛽i+ cos𝛼sin𝛽j +sin𝛽k is a :
(a) null vector (b) unit vector (c) constant vector (d) none of these
6. The resultant of two non-zero vector will be maximum if the vectors
are: A) Antiprallel B) Orthogonal C) opposite D) parallel
7. Vector 𝐴 is directed to the West and vector 𝐵 is directed to the
North. Which one of following quadrants is the operation 𝐵-𝐴 fall?
A. 1st quadrant B. 2nd Quadrant C. 3rd Quadrant D. 4th Quadrant.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
After completing this section, you should be able to:
define the term resultant vector.
explain the geometric method for addition and
subtraction of vectors in a plane.
apply geometric method of addition of vectors to find
resultant of vectors in two dimensions.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
The concept of vectors in two dimensions (2-D) which in
physics has physical representation and importance in our
daily lives.
When two or more vectors are added they must have the
same units.
For example:, it doesn't make sense to add a force vector
carrying units of newton's, to a velocity vector carrying
units of meters per second.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
When we need to add more than two vectors, we may
start with one of the vectors and then place the tail of the
next vector to the head of the first and do the same until
all the vectors are included.
 The vector drawn from the tail of the first vector to the
head of the last vector represents the resultant vector, R.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Brainstorming

1.In grade 10 physics you have studied the properties of

vectors in one dimension. Is it possible to add two vector
quantities such as displacement vectors the way we do with
scalar quantities like mass ? Share your answer with your
classmates.
2. Use graph paper, a protractor, and a ruler and apply
triangle law of vector addition to show that A + B = B + A .
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti….
 Use vector A of magnitude 5 units and vector B of 9 units, and the
angle between the vectors to be 60°.
3. What is the result of adding a vector to the negative of itself?
4. It’s a common error to conclude that if C = A + B , then the
magnitude C should equal the magnitude. A plus the magnitude B.
What is wrong with this conclusion?
5. What is the minimum number of vectors of equal magnitudes
required to produce a zero resultant?
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 There are two commonly used methods employed to determine
the vector sum of two or more vectors.
These are:
I. Graphical (Geometrical) method : by drawing scale diagram of
magnitude and with proper orientation of vectors.
II. Analytic (algebraic) method of vector addition: -by using algebraic
and geometrical equation.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
I. Graphical method
 Graphical method of vector addition gives visual understanding of
vectors and it is commonly used in navigation.
 Graphical method of addition of vectors involves the use of equal
vectors.
 As long as its length is not changed, a vector is not altered if it is
displaced parallel to itself. This process is known as Translating a
vector.
 Example: Figure below represents a trip that starts at point A then
to point B and ending at point C.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 Example i: Figure below represents a trip that starts at point A then
to point B and ending at point C.

Figure: A vector diagram with scale of a trip in a park

2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Translating a vector:
 A translation vector is a type of transformation that moves a figure
in the coordinate plane from one location to another.
 In other words, a translation vector can be thought of as a slide
with no rotating
 translation is a displacement of a vector by the addition of a
nonzero vector and denoted by T
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 If an object moves from point A (represented by the coordinates
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )) to point B (with coordinates (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )), the translation
vector AB can be represented as 𝐓= A B = [𝐱𝟐 −𝐱𝟏 , 𝐲𝟐 −𝐲𝟏 ] .
 Example ii:, Suppose you have an object moving from point A (1, 1)
to point B (4, 5).Calculate the T {Ans:T 3,4 ; This shows that to go
from point A to point B, we must 3 units to the right and 4units
upwards.}
 Example iii: Suppose point P has coordinates (3,2) and Q has
coordinate (7,5). Determine the translation vector. {Ans: left as a
tip}
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 Graphically vectors are added using the following method:
a) Triangle law,
b) Parallelogram law and
c) Polygon law of addition of vectors.
a) Triangle Law of Vector Addition
 graphically by placing the vectors head to tail and then the arrow
drawn from the tail of the first vector to the head of the second
vector represents the resultant.(See the Figure below)
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…

Figure Triangle law of addition of vectors:

 Suppose a particle undergoes displacement 𝑆1 followed by a second
displacement 𝑆2 . The final resultant a single displacement 𝑆. We express
this relationship symbolically using triangle law as

𝑆
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti...
b) Parallelogram law of vector addition
Two vectors can also be added graphically by constructing
a parallelogram using the vectors as the sides of the
parallelogram.
The vectors are now placed tail to tail and the diagonal
drawn from the tails of the vectors to the opposite corner
of the parallelogram represents the resultant (Figure
below).
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…

Figure 2.7. Parallelogram Law of addition of vectors: S1 and S2 are

placed tail to tail.
c) Polygon law of addition of vectors
 More than two vectors are added by joining the given vectors head
to tail.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 The last vector represents the resultant R is drawn from the tail of
the first vector to the head of the last vector.
 If we have the vectors, A , B, C and D polygonmethod gives the
resultant, R =A + B + C +D as shown below.

Figure: polygon law of vector addition

2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
Example 2.3
1.Vector A is 6m/s along the horizontal and vector B is
9m/s at 90° to the horizontal.(use Scale 1cm:1m/s)
(a) Add vector B to vector 𝐴 (b) Add vector A to
vector 𝐵
(c) Does the order you add the vectors make any difference
to the resultant? Explain.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
2. Use the parallelogram rule to determine the resultant
velocity of the following two velocities: Velocity A, 30 m/s at
an angle of 45° to the horizontal and Velocity B, 40m/s at an
angle of 80° to the horizontal. (use scale 1cm:10m/s)
3. Draw a scale diagram to find the resultant displacement
from the following: 12Km at an angle of 0° to the vertical;
24km at an angle of 90° to the vertical; 6km at an angle 120°
to the vertical; 30km at an angle to the vertical. (use scale
1cm:10cm)
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
4. A golfer, putting requires three strokes to “hole the ball”. During the
first putt, the ball rolls 5.0m due east. For the second putt, the ball
travels 2.1m at an angle of 20.0° north of east. The third putt is 0.50m
due north.
a)Show the golfer putting displacement graphically .
b)What displacement (magnitude and direction relative due east)
would have been needed to “hole the ball” on the very first putt?
c) Verify your answer by applying graphical method. (Use scale:
1m=1cm).{Ans: a)left as a tip; b) R=7.1m; 𝜃 = 9.9°}
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
5. There are three forces acting on an object A, B and C. This object is at equilibrium (there is
no resultant force acting on it). Draw a scale diagram to find the magnitude and direction of
the unknown force; Force A, 45 N at an angle of 0° to the horizontal Force B, 30 N at an angle
of 300° to the vertical Force C, unknown.
6.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Answers
1.

A +B B +A
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 2. 3
has the same

magnitude

2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition

of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
Subtraction of Vectors
We can subtract vectors as well as add them. Recall that
vector -𝐵 has the same magnitude as 𝐵 but the opposite
direction.
Subtracting a vector is the same as adding a vector of the
same magnitude but opposite in direction.
We define the difference A − B of two vectors 𝐴 and 𝐵
to be the vector sum of 𝐴 and -𝐵 shown in Figure below.
2.2 Lesson 2 Graphical Method of Addition
of Vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 After completing this section, you should be able to:
 apply algebraic method to find the resultant of two collinear
vectors, and perpendicular vectors.
 resolve a vector into its components.
 find the resultant of two or more vectors applying component
method. define unit vector and determine a unit vector in the
direction of a given vector.
 apply the unit representation of vectors to determine the resultant
of two or more vectors.
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
Conti…
Algebraic Method of addition of vectors or Analytic
methods of vector algebra are used routinely in
mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
They are important mathematical tools of physics.
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
i. Adding two collinear vectors
 Consider two force vectors 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 acting at a point along the same
direction, Figure (a) and (b).
 The resultant of these vectors R has a magnitude equal to the sum of the
magnitude of each of the vectors and it is directed along the direction of
any one of the vectors,

Figure Vectors in the same direction

2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
 We write the resultant vector 𝑅 is given by
𝑅 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2
Example 2.4
1.(a) A bow rows his boat along the direction of flow of a river
(downstream). If the boat can sail in still water at 0.50 m/s, and the
river flows at 0.30 m/s, what is the resultant velocity of the boat?
(b) If the boy in Example 1.(a) rows his boat upstream (in opposite
direction to the river flow), what would his resultant velocity be?
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
 .{Ans: 1(a) 𝑅=0.8m/s, downstream; 1(b) 𝑅=0.2m/s upstream }
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
2. Two men are pushing a block along a horizontal surface by exerting
oppositely directed forces of magnitudes 200 N to the right and 100 N
respectively, as shown in Figure blow What is the resultant force
applied on the block by the two men? {Ans:𝑅= 100N, toward the right.}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
Adding two perpendicular vectors(Adding coplanar vectors mathematically)
 To add coplanar vectors we use more complex mathematics.
 They can be added using Pythagoras’s theorem and trigonometry.
 using Pythagoras’s theorem determines the magnitude of the resultant , and
trigonometry can be used determine for the direction of the resultant.
Recall
According to Pythagoras theorem applied on a right angled triangle, Figure below,
the square of the hypotenuse, c, is equal to the sum of squares of the other two
sides, a and b.
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2
𝑐 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2
𝑜𝑝𝑝 𝑏
sin 𝜃 = =
ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑎
𝐴𝑑𝑗 𝑐
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = =
ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑎
𝑂𝑝𝑝 𝑏
tan 𝜃 = =
𝐴𝑑𝑗 𝑎
 The angle that the resultant makes the horizontal is given by
−1
𝑏
𝜃 = tan
𝑎
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
Example 2.5
1. A right triangle (the figure below) has sides a= 2.50m and b=6.00m.
(a)Calculate the angle θ and φ
(b)The hypotenuse c. {Ans: (a) θ =22.6°; φ = 67.4° ; (b) c=6.6
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
2. An ant, starting at a point, walked through a distance of 40 cm due South
and then 50 cm due West.
(2a) sketch the vector diagram of the motion.
(2b) What is the resultant displacement of the ant from its starting point?
{Ans: the resultant is S= 64cm, 38.6° South of West/218.6 from +ve x axis}
3. A boy scout in search of his friend walked 3.00km east and followed this a
walk of 4.00km south. Determine the magnitude and direction of the boy’s
resultant displacement from the start. {Ans: S=5.00km S= 37°S/E}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
Components of a vector
 a simple but general method for adding vectors known as
Component Method.
 Consider a vector placed on the xy-plane with its tail at o, the origin
of the coordinate system, Figure below

Figure Vector A in terms of its vector components

2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
 The projection of the vector on the coordinate axes is known as
component of the vector.
 The projection of vector A on the x axis, Ax, is known as the x
component of vector A and that on the y axis, Ay, is known as the y
component of vector A.
 Components Ax and Ay are numbers but they are not vectors.
Ax =A cos 𝜃 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝐴𝑦 A sin 𝜃
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…
 Ax and Ay are the vector components of A and in symbols:
A = Ax + Ay
 In unit vector notation:
A = Ax i + Ay j
 The components may be positive or negative umbers depending on
how the vector is oriented, i.e., the angle it makes with the x axis.
 The process of breaking up a vector into its components is known
as resolution of a vector.
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

Conti…
Note that In finding the x- and y- components of a vector,
we associate cosine with the x-component and sine with
the y-component
If the angle were measured with respect to the y-axis, as
in Figure b, above the components would be given by
Ax = Asin𝛼 and Ay = Acos𝛼
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Example
1. A force vector of magnitude of 50N is pushing on a box placed on
the horizontal ground as shown in Figure below. If the force makes an
angle of 30° above the negative x axis, what are the x and y
components of the force?{Ans: , 𝐹𝑥 = 50 3N east &, 𝐹𝑦 = 25𝑁𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition
of vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)

 Conti…

2. A force vector points at an angle of 53◦ above the +x axis.

It has a y component of 300 newton's. Find (a) the
magnitude and (b) the x component of the force
vector.{𝐹 = 375𝑁; 𝐹𝑥 = 225𝑁
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Finding the resultant of vectors by component method
 In order to determine the resultant of two or more vectors using
component method, we resolve each of the vectors into their x and
y components.
 The x component of the resultant, R x will be the sum of the x
components of the individual vectors and the y component of the
resultant, R y , will be the sum of the y components of the individual
vectors.(See Figure below)
𝑅𝑥 =𝐴𝑥ı̂ +𝐵𝑥ı̂ and , 𝑅𝑥 =𝐴𝑦𝑗+ 𝐵𝑦𝑗̂
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 The magnitude and direction from Pythagoras’s theorem and
trigonometry given by:

R= 𝑅𝑥 2 + 𝑅𝑦 2 &
𝑅𝑦
θ= tan−1 ( )
𝑅𝑥
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti….
Attention
 If both Rx and Ry are positive numbers, angle θ is above the +x axis
 If Rx is negative number and Ry is positive number, angle θ is above
the -x axis
 If both Rx and Ry are negative numbers, angle i is below the -x axis
 If Rx is positive number and Ry is negative number, angle θ is be-
low the +x axis
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Examples
1. Find the resultant of the three displacement vectors in Fig. below by
means of the component method.
The magnitudes of the vectors are
A = 5.00 m, B = 5.00 m and C = 4.00 m.
[Take: cos20° = 0.94; 𝑠𝑖𝑛20° = 0.34;
𝑐𝑜𝑠60° = 0.5; 𝑠𝑖𝑛60° = 0.866 ≅ 0.9]
{Ans: R=2.2 2m N/w; θ=135°}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
2. A golfer, putting requires three strokes to “hole the ball”. During the
first putt, the ball rolls 5.0m due east. For the second putt, the ball
travels 2.1m at an angle of 20.0° north of east. The third putt is 0.50m
due north.
a)Show the golfer putting displacement graphically .
b)What displacement (magnitude and direction relative due east)
would have been needed to “hole the ball” on the very first putt?
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
3. Vector A has a magnitude of 6.00 units and points due east. Vector
B points due north. (a) What is the magnitude of B, if the vector A+B
points 60.0◦ north of east? (b) Find the magnitude of A + B.{Ans:, , 𝐁 =
11.94𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑁}
{Answer for No.1 , 𝑅𝑥 =6.97 m; Ry=1.22 m; R =7.1 m; θ =9.9°1
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
Exercise (Class work)
1. Under what circumstances would a vector have components that are
equal in magnitude?{Ans: left as a tip}
2. A vector has an x-component of - 35 units and a y-component of 40 units.
Find the magnitude and direction of the vector.{Ans: left as a tip}
3. Vector A has a magnitude of 30 units and points in the positive y-
direction. When vector B is added to A , the resultant vector A + B points
in the negative y-direction with a magnitude of 10 units. Find the magnitude
and direction of B .{Ans: left as atip}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
3. A girl walked across a large field through the following distance in the
given order:72 m toward 32° East of North, 57m toward 37°South of West,
18 m toward South. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant
displacement of the girl?
{Ans
x component y component
S1 72 (sin 32o) m = 38.2 m 72 (cos 32o) m = 61.1 m

S2 -57(cos 37o) m = - 45.6 m -57 (sin37o) m = -34.2 m

S3 0m -18 m

Rx = S1x + S2x + S3x = -7.4 m Rx = S1y + S2y + S3y = 8.9 m

R =11.60m and θ= tan-1 (1.2) = 50.2° ∴ R = 11.60m,θ= 50.2° N/W

2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti….
4. Traditional Maresha [(Applying physics principles to Traditional
Maresha (Indigenous Practice)]
A farmer is ploughing the field using traditional Maresha (plow) pulled
by two oxen Figure a. The two animals are pulling the beam (Mofer)
with a force 𝐹2 of 1200 N at angle of 40° from the horizontal and the
farmer’s force 𝐹1 on the handle (Erf) is 150 N at 60° above the
horizontal as shown in Figure b. Find the resultant horizontal pulling
force exerted by the farmer and the oxen on the Maresha? At this
point assume all the forces are acting at point K.
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
 For the whole system to work the resultant downward vertical force must be slightly
greater than the upward. Explain why. {Take: Sin40=0.642; 0.766}{Ans: 994.3N: 901.25N}
2.3 Lesson 3 Algebraic Method of addition of
vectors in Two Dimensions (2-D)
 Conti…
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

After completing this section, you should be able to:

 define dot product of a vector.
 apply the technique of cross product to solve practical problems
 define dot product of a vector.
 apply the technique of cross product to solve practical problems.
Brainstorming
1. Do you know any physical quantity that can be expressed as a
product of two vector quantities? Explain by giving examples.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

2.4. Multiplication of vectors

 Vectors can be multiplied by:
I. Scalars
II. Vectors
I. Vectors multiplied by scalar
 When you multiply a vector by a scalar, the magnitude of the vector changes, but not its
direction
3 9
𝟖
EX 1: (a). 𝐴 = 4 ; 3𝐴 = 12 (b). (e). 𝐴 =
𝟏𝟐
8 24
−9
(c). -3𝐴 = −12 (d). tan θ = 2/3
−24
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
 If you multiply a vector by a negative scalar, the direction of the
vector is reversed. (See. Fig. above and below)
Example 2: If vector A is multiplied by a scalar number 2, and -2

Figure: A and 2A are parallel & A and -2A are antiparallel

2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

I. Vectors multiplied by vectors:

 When a vector multiplied by a vector multiplied by a vector the result may be a scalar or
vector.
 We have : (1). Scalar product (Dot product)
(2). Vector(Cross product)
(1). Scalar product (Dot product)
 The scalar product of two non-zero vectors 𝐴 and 𝐵 is defined by
A . B = A B cos θ
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
 The angle between the vectors ranges from 0o to 180o and it is the
angle formed when vectors are joined tail to tail.
 Depending on the value of the cosine of the angle between the
vectors, the scalar product A • B may be positive, negative, or zero.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 For two vectors , A & B, in space component notation: A = Ax i + Ay j +

Az k and B = Bx i + By j + Bz k
A . B =(Ax i + Ay j + Az k ).(Bx i + By j + Bz k)
=Ax Bx + Ay By + Az Bz
 The dot or scalar product of the unit vectors take the following forms:
i.i=j.j=k.k=1.1.cos0° = 1
j.j=i.k=j.k=1.1cos90° = 0
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

Scalar Projection
 Consider vector : 𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘 and 𝐵 = 𝐵𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐵𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐵𝑧 𝑘 then we have

 The scalar projection of vector 𝐴 onto 𝐵 is given by

A.B
A cos 𝜃 =
𝐵
 The scalar projection of vector 𝐵 onto 𝐴 is given by
A. B
B cos 𝜃 =
𝐴
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(Continued dot product…)

Orthogonal
 When two vectors are at right angles to each other, they are said to
be orthogonal.
Application of dot product
 For orthogonal vectors the dot product is zero.
 Scalar Triple product: 𝐴. (𝐵 × 𝐶) → 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑟(Show this). The most
common application of scalar triple product is in engineering
physics used to calculate the force, moments and other amount that
results from the interaction multiple objects.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
Example
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti
1.(a) Find 𝛽 such that, the angle between A = i + β𝑗 and B =i+j is
300°.
(b) a is the vector 6i+8j and b is 5i+3j. Workout the scalar product of
a and b . &the angle between these vectors {Ans: 54}
4 7
2. What is the angle between the two vectors and ?{Ans:21.8°}
4 3
3. For what value of 𝐶 lying along the x axis dose A .( B +𝐶)=0, given that;
𝐴=3i-2j+k and 𝐵=4i+5j+7k ? {Ans:-3i}
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

4 −9 3 10
4. Consider the vectors 𝐴= , 𝐵= , 𝐶= , 𝐷 == .
6 6 5 −6
(a). What is the angle b/n 𝐴 and 𝐵?
(b). What is the angle b/n 𝐶& 𝐷
(c). Can you see an easy way of checking to see if vectors are
orthogonal?
5.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
5. Evaluate vector 𝐶=Pi+Qj +k which is orthogonal to both vectors
𝐴=3i+j-k and 𝐵 = −3i + 2j + 2k. {Ans: P=4 &Q=−1/3
;𝐶=4i−1/3j+k}
6. Find 𝛌 such that 𝐴= i+𝛌j +2k & 𝐵=-3i+2j+2k are orthogonal. {Ans:
left as a tip}
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
6.

7.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti..
8.

0
9. C. 2 Ans: 16
−3
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
9.
 2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

2. Vector or Cross product

 The vector product of two non-zero vectors 𝐴 and 𝐵 is defined by
A × B = A B s𝑖𝑛 θ

 The direction of the vector A × B is determined by the right hand rule & perpendicular
to both vector A & B
 For two vectors A & B in 3D or space notation form
: 𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘 𝐵 = 𝐵𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐵𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐵𝑧

A × B =(𝐴𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘 ) ×(𝐵𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐵𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐵𝑧 )

A × B = (𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑧 – 𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑦 )𝒊 + (𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑥 – 𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑧 )𝒋 + (𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑦 –𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑥 )𝑘

 2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(Continued cross product…)

 The better way to perform a vector product is to use the
determinant form:
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
A × B = 𝐴𝑥 𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑧
𝐵𝑥 𝐵𝑦 𝐵𝑧
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
 The cross product of the unit vectors take the following forms:
i × i=j × j=k × k=1×1.cos0° = 0
j × j=k; j × k=I; k × j=I

Figure: Cyclic and ant cyclic product of three coordinate

2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
More on vector product
 2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(Continued cross product…)

KEY POINTS
 The result of cross product is a vector quantity
 Cross product is not commutative. i.e.; A × B ≠ B × A
 Cross product is distributive over addition. i.e; A × (B +𝐶) =
A × B +A × C
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

Conti…
 The cross product of two vectors A & B is perpendicular
to both vector A & B .
Application of cross product
 Two non-zero vectors are collinear (parallel or anti-
parallel) to each other if there cross product gives Zero.
.i.e.; A × B =0→ A // or 𝑎𝑛tiparallel to B .
(o𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑠 0° or 180°.)
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti..
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(Continued cross product…)

Worked example
1. (a) The value of 𝑖 + 𝑘 × 𝑖 is_________(Ans:j)
2 (i). Compute the vector perpendicular to both A & B given that A =
3 2
1 and B = 2 .
2 4
(ii). Find also the magnitude of the perpendicular vector to both
vectors.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
(iii). Find also the unit vector perpendicular to both vectors.
8
{Ans; (i) −8 , (ii). (iii)}
−8
2. Vector A has magnitude of 6 units along the positive x axis. Vector
B has magnitude 4units and lies in the xy plane making an angle of 30°
with positive x-axis. Calculate A × B
{Ans; 𝐀 × 𝐁 =12k}
 2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(Continued cross product…)

3.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti….
4.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

 Conti…
−4 1 4
5. The vectors d, e and f are , and respectively.
1 4 −1
Compute: (i). d × e; (ii). the angle between vectors d and e; (iii).
the area of the parallelogram formed by the resultant of e and f. ;
(iv). Can you say find out which vectors are collinear?
6.

{Ans: A}
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

Application of vectors.
 Vectors have many applications.
 They are extremely useful in physics and many other
areas. Some applications are as follows:
Analysing forces on a bridge.
Analysing the motion of an airplane.
Programming motion or the position of an object in a
computer game or animation.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

(…Continued cross product)

Displaying graphics (in the form of vector graphics) so
that the diagram can be resized easily without any loss of
quality.
Modelling and planning the trajectory (path) of a space
probe.
Analysing the motion of planets.
Analysing magnetic fields.
2.4 Lesson 4 Product of Vectors

Alexander K