Statics

33

Vector Addition by the Component Method

As was shown in previous sections, vectors may be added
graphically by using the parallelogram law or the modified tip-to-tail method.
Now, with the concept of resolution of vectors into two
rectangular components, we are ready to begin the
analytical approach to vector addition. The first step in the
analytical approach involves resolving each force of a
force system into its respective components. Then, the essential force components may be added algebraically (as
opposed to a graphical vector addition) to yield a resultant
force. For example, assume we have three forces A, B, and
C acting on a particle at point O (Figure 2.26).

(a)

(b)

Figure 2.26 Analytical method of vector addition.

In Figure 2.26(b), each force is replaced by its respective x
and y force components. All of the component forces acting on point O produce the same effect as the original
forces A, B, and C.
The horizontal and vertical components may now be
summed algebraically. It is important to note here that although Ax, Bx, and Cx are acting along the horizontal
x axis, they are not all acting in the same direction. To keep
the summation process systematic, it is essential to establish a sign convention (Figure 2.27).
The most commonly used sign convention for a rectangular coordinate system defines any vector acting toward the
right as denoting a positive x direction and any vector acting upward as denoting a positive y direction. Anything to
the left or down denotes a negative direction.
In Figure 2.27, a force F is resolved into its x and y components. For this case, the Fx component is directed to the right,
therefore denoting a positive x force component. The Fy
component is pointed down, representing a negative y force.
Returning to the problem shown in Figure 2.26, horizontal
components will be summed algebraically such that
Rx = -Ax + Bx - Cx
or
Rx = Fx
where R denotes a resultant force.

Figure 2.27 Sign convention for forces.