MODULE 2 VECTORS

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Module,students can:
1. Distinguish vector quantities from scalar quantities.
2. Construct graphs of resultant vectors using graphical and analytical methods.
3. Solve resultant vector using Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometric functions.
4. Determine the components of a vector.

LESSON 1 Vector Diagrams

1.1 Vector and Scalar Quantities

• Vectors are quantities with magnitude and direction and can be used to represent
physical quantities.
Ex. Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight, Normal force, friction
momentum, torque, tension
• Scalar quantities have magnitude only.
Ex. Length, area, volume, speed, mass, density, temperature, energy, work,
power, time

Representing Vectors
Vector quantities are often represented by scaled vector diagrams. Vector diagrams depict a
vector by use of an arrow drawn to scale in a specific direction with respect to a set of
coordinates. Vector diagrams are commonly called as free-body diagrams. The vector diagram
below depicts a displacement vector. Observe that there are several characteristics of this
diagram that make it an appropriately drawn vector diagram.
• a scale is clearly listed ( 1 cm = 4 m)
• a vector arrow (with arrowhead) is drawn in a specified direction. The vector arrow has
a head and a tail.
• the magnitude and direction of the vector is clearly labeled. In this case, the diagram
shows the magnitude is 20 m and the direction is 30 degrees West of North.

Figure 2.1.1 Figure 2.1.2

Note: The length of the drawn vector must be 5cm from the scale as measured with a ruler and
the angle is measured using a protractor from North going West.

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 (a) (b)

Figure 2.1.3

1. Vector in figure (a) pointing East had its tail pinned down and then the vector was rotated an
angle of 40 degrees in the counterclockwise direction. This vector is in the first quadrant.
2. Vector in figure (b) was pinned down and the vector was rotated an angle of 240 degrees in
the counterclockwise direction beginning from East. A rotation of 240 degrees is equivalent to
rotating the vector through two quadrants (180 degrees) and then an additional 60
degrees into the third quadrant.

1.2 Representing the Magnitude of a Vector

a. The magnitude of a vector in a scaled vector diagram is depicted by the
length of the arrow.
b. The arrow is drawn a precise length in accordance with a chosen scale. For
example, the diagram at the right shows a vector with a magnitude of 20
miles. The scale used for constructing the diagram is 1 cm = 5 miles, thus
the vector arrow is drawn with a length of 4 cm (4 cm x 5 miles/1 cm) = 20
miles. Fig. 2.1.4
c. Using the same scale (1 cm = 5 miles), the following displacements are drawn by a scaled
vector diagram.

Figure 2.1.4

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Exercises 1: Use an appropriate scale and draw the following vectors.
1. 75 km 30 degrees west of north 4. 150 Newton force East
2. 5.0 m/s2 due West 5. 70 Newtons weight downward
3. 5 miles 20 degrees S of E 6. 86 Newtons tension upwards

LESSON 2 Resultant Vector

2.1 Vector Addition

Two or more vectors can be added together to determine the resultant, R.

10 N + 10 N = 20 N

5 m/s + 5 m/s = 0

20 mi + 15 mi = 5 mi

10 m/s2 + 3m/s2 = 13 m/s2

Parallel and ant parallel vectors can be added or subtracted arithmetically, but this will not
be the case with perpendicular and different directions vectors below.

Challenge 1 10 km + 20 km = ?

Challenge 2 50 N + 50 N = ?

The Resultant of these vectors can be determined using graphical and analytical
methods.

2.2 Graphical Method (Closed Polygon Method)

Use of Scaled Vector Diagrams to Determine a Resultant
a. The direction of the resultant can be determined by using a protractor and measuring its
counterclockwise angle of rotation from East.
b. A step-by-step method for applying the head-to-tail method to determine the sum of two or
more vectors is given below.
1. Choose a scale and indicate it on a sheet of paper. The best choice of scale is one
that will result in a diagram that is as large as possible, yet fits on the sheet of paper.
2. Pick a starting location and draw the first vector to scale in the indicated direction.
Label the magnitude and direction of the scale on the diagram.

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 3. Starting from where the head of the first vector ends, draw the second vector to
scale in the indicated direction. Label the magnitude and direction of this vector on
the diagram.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all vectors that are to be added
5. Draw the resultant from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector. Label
this vector as Resultant or simply R.
6. Using a ruler, measure the length of the resultant and determine its magnitude by
converting to real units using the scale.
7. Measure the direction of the resultant using the counterclockwise convention
discussed earlier in this lesson.

Illustrative Example 1
Use graphical method to find the resultant of the following vectors
20 m, 45 deg. + 25 m, 300 deg. + 15 m, 210 deg.

SCALE: 1 cm = 5 m

Figure 2.2.1
The head-to-tail method is employed as described above and the resultant is determined (drawn
in red). Its magnitude and direction is labeled on the diagram:
SCALE: 1 cm = 5 m

Figure 2.2.2
Note:
Interestingly enough, the order in which three vectors are added has no effect upon either the
magnitude or the direction of the resultant. The resultant will still have the same magnitude and
direction. For example, consider the addition of the same three vectors in a different order.

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 15 m, 210 deg. + 25 m, 300 deg. + 20 m, 45 deg.

SCALE: 1 cm = 5 m

SCALE: 1 cm = 5 m

Figure 2.2.3

Example 2

Figure 2.2.4
docbrown.info

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Example 3
You walked 12 m in the direction 20° west of north then 20 m 40° south of west. How far and
in what direction are you from your starting point?

Figure 2.2.5
https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/collegephysics/chapter/vector-addition-and-subtraction-graphical-methods/

Practice Exercises 2
1. Do Challenge 1and 2 on Vector addition
2. You walk 40 m north, and then 30 m east. What is the magnitude and direction of your
resultant displacement?
3. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the following velocities: 60 km/hr 22.5° N
of E, 75 km/hr 80° N of E.
4. Find the resultant of the following acceleration: 10m/s2 30° N of W, 30 ms2 20° S of W and
then 25 m/s2 SE

2.3 Analytical Methods

Sign Convention:
a. Vectors along East and North are positive; those along West and South are negative.
b. Angles measured counterclockwise are positive; measured clockwise are negative.

Figure 2.2.6

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The Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is a useful method for determining the result of adding two (and only
two) vectors that make a right angle to each other (perpendicular). The method is not applicable
for adding more than two vectors or for adding vectors that are perpendicular to each other.

Figure 2.2.7

Illustrative Example 1: Eric leaves the base camp and hikes 11 km, north and then hikes 11
km east. Determine Eric's resulting displacement.

This problem asks to determine the result of adding two displacement vectors that are
perpendicular.

a. Draw the vectors head-to-tail as shown below.

b. use the Pythagorean theorem to determine the resultant (i.e., the hypotenuse of the right
triangle).

Figure 2.2.8

The result of adding 11 km, north plus 11 km, east is a vector with a magnitude of 15.6 km.
c. To determine the angle, use trigonometric function from the right triangle below.

Figure 2.2.9

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(SOH CAH TOA is a mnemonic that helps one remember the meaning of the three common
trigonometric functions - sine, cosine, and tangent functions.). The appropriate trigonometric to
use is the tangent function to determine the angle (direction of the resultant.
opposite (N) 11km 11
Tan θ = = θ = tan-1 ( ) = 45⁰
adjacent (E) 11 km 11

Resultant is 15.6 km, 45⁰ N of E

Illustrative Example 2

Figure 2.2.10

A. R2 = (5)2 + (10)2 R2 = 125 R = (125)1/2 RA= 11.2 km, 63.43⁰ N of W

10
θ = tan-1( ) = 63.43 ⁰ N of W
5

B. R2 = (30)2 + (40)2 R2 = 2500 R = (2500)1/2 RB = 50 km, 53.13⁰ S of W

40
θ = tan-1( ) = 53.13⁰ S of W
30

Illustrative Example 3

Figure 2.2.11

R = (52 + 102)1/2 = 11.18 km. 26.6⁰ S of W

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Using the components of a vector
Finding the component or effect of a vector in a particular direction is most convenient
and applicable to two or more vectors.
Recall the Cartesian plane having x and y-axis and four quadrants.

I II III IV
x + - - +
y + + - -

Table 2.1
Figure 2.2.12
x - component in quadrants 1 and IV are positive; in quadrants II and III, negative.
y- component in quadrants I and II are positive; in quadrants III and IV, negative.

Figure 2.2.13 Figure. 2.2.14

Illustrative Example 4
From Fig. 2.2.13
Vector H = 3 units Angle θ = 45⁰
x-component = 3 units (Cos 45 )= 2.12 units
y-component = 3 units ( Sin 45) = 2.12 units

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Illustrative Example 7
From Fig. 2.2.14
Vectors x-component y-component
A, 12 units 20⁰ 12 x Cos 20⁰ = 11.3 (positive) 12 x Sin 20⁰ =4.1 (positive)
B, 25 units 60⁰ 25 x Cos 60⁰ = 12.5(positive) 25 x Sin 60⁰ = 21.7 (positive)
Σ of x-component = 23. 8 Σ of y-component = 25.8
Table 2.2
Finding the magnitude of the resultant:
R2 = Σx2 + Σy2 R = (23.8 2 + 25.8 2)1/2 R = 24.3 units

Finding the direction, θ:

Σy 25.8 25.8
Tan θ = = θ = tan-1 ( ) = 47.31⁰
Σx 23.8 23.8

R = 24.3 units, 47.31⁰ N of E (ccw from East)

Illustrative Example 8

Figure 2.2.15

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Practice Exercises 3

1. Do Practice Exercises 2(#’s 1 - 4) using component method and compare your answers.

2. Find the Resultant of the following given vectors: A= 6m, 30⁰ B= 4.5m, 45⁰ C = 5m, 75⁰

Figure 2.2.16
cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/SEGwayed/lessons/exploring.../earths.../guide_activity15.
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vectors/u3l1a.cfm

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LESSON 3 Force and Static Equilibrium

Force is a push or a pull which can cause motion or acts on objects like gravity, weight,
tension, normal force and friction. Since force is a vector it also has both magnitude and
direction and can be represented. All the forces acting on an object can be drawn using free
body diagram and the resultant force can be calculated. An object with zero resultant force is
said to be in equilibrium.

TYPES OF FORCES:

1. CONTACT FORCES
A. Applied Force (Fapp) - An applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person
or another object. If a person is pushing a desk across the room, then there is an
applied force acting upon the object. The applied force is the force exerted on the desk
by the person.

B. Normal Force (Fnorm) - The normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that
is in contact with another stable object. For example, if a book is resting upon a surface,
then the surface is exerting an upward force upon the book in order to support the
weight of the book. On occasions, a normal force is exerted horizontally between two
objects that are in contact with each other. For instance, if a person leans against a
wall, the wall pushes horizontally on the person.

C. Friction Force (Ffrict) - The friction force is the force exerted by a surface as an object
moves across it or makes an effort to move across it. There are at least two types of
friction force - sliding or kinetic and static friction. Thought it is not always the case, the
friction force often opposes the motion of an object. For example, if a book slides across
the surface of a desk, then the desk exerts a friction force in the opposite direction of its
motion. Friction results from the two surfaces being pressed together closely, causing
intermolecular attractive forces between molecules of different surfaces. As such,
friction depends upon the nature of the two surfaces and upon the degree to which they
are pressed together. The maximum amount of friction force that a surface can exert
upon an object can be calculated using the formula below:
Ffrict = µ • normal force

D. Air Resistance Force (sometimes known as drag) (Fair) - The air resistance is a
special type of frictional force that acts upon objects as they travel through the air. The
force of air resistance is often observed to oppose the motion of an object. This force
will frequently be neglected due to its negligible magnitude (and due to the fact that it is
mathematically difficult to predict its value). It is most noticeable for objects that travel at
high speeds (e.g., a skydiver or a downhill skier) or for objects with large surface areas.

E. Tension Force (Ftens) - The tension force is the force that is transmitted through a string,
rope, cable or wire when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends. The
tension force is directed along the length of the wire and pulls equally on the objects on
the opposite ends of the wire.

F. Spring Force (Fspring) - The spring force is the force exerted by a compressed or
stretched spring upon any object that is attached to it. An object that compresses or
stretches a spring is always acted upon by a force that restores the object to its rest or
equilibrium position. For most springs (specifically, for those that are said to obey

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 "Hooke's Law"), the magnitude of the force is directly proportional to the amount of
stretch or compression of the spring.

2. NON-CONTACT FORCE
A. Gravity Force (also known as Weight) - The force of gravity is the force with which the
earth, moon, or other massively large object attracts another object towards itself. By
definition, this is the weight of the object. All objects upon earth experience a force of
gravity that is directed "downward" towards the center of the earth. The force of gravity
on earth is always equal to the weight of the object as found by the equation:
Wt = m * g
where g = -9.8 m/s2 (on Earth) and m = mass (in kg)

B. Electrical Force - The attractive or repulsive interaction between any two charged
objects is an electric force. Like any force, its effect upon objects is described by
Newton's laws of motion.

C. Magnetic Force - It is the attraction or repulsion that arises between electrically charged
particles because of their motion. It is the basic force responsible for such effects as
the action of electric motors and the attraction of magnets for iron.

Consider the diagram below. A certain weight W is suspended on two cables attached to a
beam.
What forces are acting on the suspended block W? What is the resultant force R? Is the box in
equilibrium?

To be able to answer the answer the questions, we need to know the following:
◆ tension in the cables at AB and BC.
◆ Weight of the block.
◆ Angles AB and BC makes with the horizontal.
◆ Summation of all the x and y components of the forces to determine the resultant force R

Figure 3.1

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 Free body diagram
Figure 3.2
3.1 Resolving Forces into its x and y -components (from Lesson 2)
Resolve the following forces into its x and y components

Figure 3.1.1
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/Lesson-3/Resolution-of-Forces

Diagram A Ax = 100 N cos 30= 86.60 N Ay = 100 N sin 30 = 50 N

Diagram B Bx = 100 N cos 45 = 70.71 N By = 100 N sin 45 = 70.71 N
Diagram C Cx = 100 N cos 60 = 50 N Cy = 100 N sin 60 = 86.60 N

Take note:
➢ forces along the x-axis has no y-component; Fy = 0. The x-component has the same
magnitude as that of the force either positive or negative sign.
➢ Forces along the y-axis has no x-component; Fx = 0. The y-component has the same
magnitude as that of the force either positive or negative sign.

Practice Exercises 4

1. A force of 19 N is in the direction of the negative y axis. Find the x and y components of the
force.

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2. A force of 104 N makes an angle of 67° with the positive x axis. Resolve the force
into x and y components.

3. A 3.1 × 103 N force is along the y-axis, find the x and y components.

4. A 4.5 × 105 N force makes an angle of 221° with the positive x axis, what are the magnitude
of the x and y components?

5. 1230N at 53° and 1450 at 107°. What is the resultant force?

6. Four different forces are acting on an object: 64.5N at 30° above the horizontal, 67N up,
26.7N to the left and 89N down. What is the resultant force?

Free body diagrams

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A free body diagram is always helpful to visualize and draw the different forces acting on an
object.

1. What is the resultant force acting on the object?

Answer: R = 190 N

Figure 3.2.1
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/calcpad/vecforce/problems

2. θA = 30° and θc = 45°, FA = 500N Fc = 400N and mass of the box = 35 kg. What is the
resultant force?

Figure 3.2.2

Answer: R = 242 N

Test Yourself:

1. Three men were trying to pull a tree stump out of the ground. The first man was pulling with
a force of 100 N to the North. The second man was pulling with a force of 75 N at an angle of
45 degrees North of East. The third man was pulling at 75 N at an angle of 45 degrees North of
West. What resultant force is being applied to the tree stump?

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2. Se-ri is parasailing. She sits in a seat harness which is attached by a tow rope to a
speedboat. The rope makes an angle of 51° with the horizontal and has a tension of 350 N.
Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the tension force.

3. Find the tension in the two strings.

T2

T1

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Name: _________________________ Crse/Yr/Sec: ________Date: ______Score:___

VECTOR EXERCISES 1

Use graphical method to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant.

1. You push on a box with a force of 500 Newtons directly north. Another person pushes the
box with a force of 800 Newtons directly east. What is the magnitude and direction of the
resultant (R) force?

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2. Find the total displacement of a person who walks the following three paths (displacements)
on a flat field. First, she walks 25.0 m in a direction north of east. Then, she walks 23.0 m
heading north of east. Finally, she turns and walks 32.0 m in a direction 68.0° south of
east.

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3. Three men were trying to pull a tree stump out of the ground. The first man was pulling with a
force of 100 N to the North. The second man was pulling with a force of 75 N at an angle of 45
degrees North of East. The third man was pulling at 75 N at an angle of 45 degrees North of
West. What resultant force (magnitude and direction) is being applied to the tree stump?

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Name: _________________________ Crse/Yr/Sec: ________Date: ______Score:___

VECTOR EXERCISE 2

Use component method to solve the following.

1. Given the magnitude of the vectors shown, calculate the x and y – components. (Measure the
angle of each vector in counter clockwise direction from the positive x-axis or East direction).

a.) 5N b.) 10 m/s

c.) 7.5 km d.) 50 kph

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Draw the vectors in a graphing paper

2. Check your answers in Exercise 1 using component method.

3. A boat is heading across a river at a velocity of 25 mph. The river is flowing downstream at
10 mph. What is the actual velocity of the boat?

4. An airplane is flying 340 km/hr at 12o East of North. The wind is blowing 40 km/hr at 34 o
South of East. What is the plane’s actual velocity?

5.Three men were trying to pull a tree stump out of the ground. The first man was pulling with a
force of 100 N to the North. The second man was pulling with a force of 75 N at an angle of 45
degrees North of East. The third man was pulling at 75 N at an angle of 45 degrees North of
West. What resultant force is being applied to the tree stump?

6.A heavy box (mass 25kg) is dragged along the floor by a kid at a 30∘ angle to the horizontal
with a force of 80N (which is the maximum force the kid can apply). What is the normal force N?

7. Se-ri is parasailing. She sits in a seat harness which is attached by a tow rope to a
speedboat. The rope makes an angle of 51° with the horizontal and has a tension of 350 N.
Determine the horizontal and vertical components of the tension force.

8. Cardo is walking his dog (Bantay) around the neighborhood. Upon arriving at Salakay's
house (Bantay’s dog friend), Bantay turns part mule and refuses to continue on the walk. Cardo
yanks on the chain with a 67.0 N force at an angle of 30.0° above the horizontal. Determine the
horizontal and vertical components of the tension force.

9. Find the length of the x and y components of vector R if R is at an angle of 30◦ above the x-
axis and has a magnitude of 25 km.

10. Your friend’s boat can travel 4.0 m/s in still water. One sunny afternoon, you and your friend
decide to go fishing. While waiting for a bite, you begin thinking, ”If this river is flowing at 5.5 m/s
southward, and we are heading eastward, directly across the river, what are the direction and
magnitude of our total velocity?”

11. If a child pulls a sled through the snow with a force of 50 N exerted at an angle of 38◦ above
the horizontal, find the horizontal and vertical components of the force.

12. The figure shows three ropes tied together in a knot. One of your friends pulls on a rope with
a force of 3 Newtons and another pulls on a second rope with a force of 5 Newtons. How hard
and in what direction must you pull on the third rope to keep the knot from moving?

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