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Displacement, Distance and The Addition of Vectors

This document discusses adding vectors graphically using the tip-to-tail method. It explains that in grade 10, vectors must be added graphically, while in grade 11 algebraic addition with trigonometry will be used. It provides steps for graphical vector addition: draw vectors to scale with labels; place the tail of the second vector at the tip of the first; draw the resultant vector from the tail of the first to the tip of the second. Several practice problems are provided applying vector addition to calculate displacements from sequences of movements in different directions.

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UMAR AKBAR
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74 views3 pages

Displacement, Distance and The Addition of Vectors

This document discusses adding vectors graphically using the tip-to-tail method. It explains that in grade 10, vectors must be added graphically, while in grade 11 algebraic addition with trigonometry will be used. It provides steps for graphical vector addition: draw vectors to scale with labels; place the tail of the second vector at the tip of the first; draw the resultant vector from the tail of the first to the tip of the second. Several practice problems are provided applying vector addition to calculate displacements from sequences of movements in different directions.

Uploaded by

UMAR AKBAR
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Displacement, Distance and the Addition of Vectors

In grade 10 science we must add vectors graphically – with a scale diagram. Algebraic addition cannot be used,
although you may use it to check your answers – next year (gr.11 physics) we will add vectors algebraically with
trigonometry.

Vectors having different directions can be added using a graphical


method called the tip to tail method:
• Draw one vector (to scale) – we’ll call this the first vector. Be
sure to include a label with magnitude if possible.
• At the tip of the first vector, determine the direction of the
second vector.
• Draw the second vector, using the same scale as the first, with
the tail of the second at the tip of the first vector.
• Draw a line from the tail of the first (starting point) to the tip of
the second (ending point). This new vector represents the sum or
resultant of the two vectors.
• Measure the magnitude and direction of the resultant.

• Vectors can be added in any order. Do the vector addition in


question #3 two different ways to verify this.

Practice Questions:

7. A bear went searching for honey and walks due east for 6.0 km and then 4.0 km due west.
Calculate the total distance and resultant displacement.

8. Find the displacement of an airplane that flies 5.0 km due east and then turns and flies 7.0 km due
north.

9. In a bike race, Sebastian pedalled 35 km [E] followed by 40 km [S]. Calculate the total distance
travelled, his resultant displacement, and final position.

10. Sourdough Sadie left her cabin to look for gold. She walked 8.0 km [S], then 12 km [E], and
finally 3.0 km [N]. Calculate Sadie’s displacement.

11. Sue left home and jogged 3.0 km [S], then 4.0 km [W], and finally 5 km [N 37° E]. Draw a
vector diagram to determine Sue’s total displacement.

12. Explain why you get the same resultant displacement if two displacements are added in the
reverse order.

Note:
Collinear vectors are vectors which are along the same straight line (ie parallel or anti-parallel) as in
question #1. Collinear vectors can be added without a vector diagram since 4 km [W] = – 4 km [E].
Now add the collinear vectors as you would normal integers.
Vectors and Directions
There are several different conventions for writing directions.
Complete the following directions and diagrams.

Diagram Compass Nelson Science Bearing RCS direction


Direction textbook method (navigation) (math)
[E 40° N] [40° N of E] bearing of 050 40° RCS

or or (counter-
[N 50° E] [50° E of N] (clockwise from clockwise from
(why?) north) +ve x-axis)

[W 20° S]
or

[30° W of S]
or

[N]

[W]

[SW]

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