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Success Criteria:
I am able to successfully apply the head-to-tail method to add vectors in one and two dimensions.
I am able to apply appropriate sign conventions (+/-) when combining vector components to find the resultant vector.
I am able to use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of resultant vectors in two dimensions.
Fun Fact
In vector addition, the order in which vectors are added does not affect the resultant vector. This property is known as the commutative property of addition. For example, if you add vector A to vector B, you get the same resultant vector whether you add A + B or B + A. This property simplifies calculations and is a fundamental principle in vector algebra.
Key terms
Sign convention for vectors can be used to algebraically add or subtract vectors. For example the direction left could be negative, and the direction right positive. A vector 3m left in this case would be -3m.
Resultant vectors are the vectors obtained by combining two or more vectors through addition or subtraction, representing the overall effect of their combined magnitude and direction.
Head to tail method is a graphical technique for vector addition where vectors are placed head-to-tail to determine the resultant vector, representing the sum or difference of their magnitudes and directions.
Geometric Method A method for finding the magnitude of the resultant vector in two dimensions by treating the vectors as sides of a right triangle, where the magnitude of the resultant vector is calculated using Pythagoras' Theorem.
Learning Tasks
Chapter 10.2 key knowledge questions p.302
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