Physics - XI

Vectors

REVIEW OF BASIC CONCEPTS
3.1 : EQUAL VECTORS
Two vectors A and B of the same physical quantity are
equal, if and only if they have the same magnitude and
the same direction. We can test the equality by shifting B
parallel to itself until its tail coincides with the tail of A.
If the two vectors are represented in magnitude and
direction by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram
drawn from a point, then their resultant is represented
in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the
parallelogram passing through that point.
s p
I
I

If the tips of the two vectors also coincide, the vectors are R /B
equal. (Remember, the vector shifted parallel to itself is I
I

equal to the original vector since the magnitude and the a I

I
direction of the vector do not change when it is shifted
A Q
parallel to itself).
Fig. 3.1
3.2 : UNIT VECTOR
Figure 3.1 show two vectors A and B of magnitudes
A vector having a unit modulus is called unit vector. If A
I\ A and B inclined at an angle a. The magnitude R of the
is a vector, then unit vector A along the direction of A resultant vector R is given by
is defined as
" A A R = JA 2 +B2 +2ABcosa
A - =-
IAI A The angle f3 which the resultant vector R subtends with
vector A is given by
Conventionally, unit vectors along x, y and z directions
Bsina
tan /3 = ----
I\ I\ I\

are denoted by i, j and k respectively.

A +Bcosa
3.3 : NULL VECTOR . Bsina
or sin /3 = ---
If two vectors A and Bare equal, their difference (A- B)
is defined as the zero or null vector and is represented In vector notation the resultant vector is written as R =
by the symbol 0. It has zero magnitude and no specific A+B.
direction. A vector which is not null is called a proper
vector. Thus, if Special Cases
A=B (i) When the two vectors are in the same direction, i.e.
then A-B= 0
a = 0° , then R = JA 2 + B2 + 2AB cos0° = A+ B.
3.4 : ADDITION OF VECTORS Therefore, the magnitude of the resultant is equal to
The procedure of finding the resultant or sum of two the sum of the magnitudes of the two vectors. Also
vectors is known as the parallelogram law of vector tan f3 = 0 or f3 = 0, i.e. the direction of the resultant
addition and may be stated as follows. is the same as that of either vector.

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI

Physics - XI

BY: HEMENDRA PRAJAPATI