<![CDATA[]]> true true true false true DESCRIPTION_EDITOR Vector Addition true

Vector Addition

With this simulation, you can practice vector addition of two vectors in two dimensions.

You are given the magnitude and direction of the two vectors, and your goal is to fill in the nine values in the table (showing the x-component, y-component, and length) of the two vectors, and the resultant vector that is the sum of the first two vectors. You should also determine the angle of the resultant, and enter that value in the box at the right, just above the table.

When you worked out and entered your values, click on the "Check Answers" button. If you get any values wrong, you can change them and then click the "Check Answers" button again (you can do this is many times as you like). If you get stuck, you can click the "Show Answers" button. Note that, after pressing the "Show Answers" button, you can not use the "Check Answers" button again until you have obtained a new pair of vectors to do.

You can get two new vectors in three different ways:

  • clicking the "Reset Vectors" button;
  • clicking and dragging the tip of either or both of the vectors to change the size and/or the angle;
  • using the sliders to change the length and/or angle of the vectors.
]]> DESCRIPTION_EDITOR Activities true

Activities

  1. First, either specify lengths and angles for the two vectors, or get the simulation to do that by pressing the "Generate Vectors" button. It should be easy for you to fill in the lengths of the first two vectors. Then, figure out the components of the vectors and enter them in the table at the bottom of the simulation. Don't worry about filling in the "Resultant" line yet. Check your answers by pressing the "Check Answer" button at the bottom.
  2. Once you have the components of the first two vectors correct, determine the components of the resultant vector (the resultant vector is the sum of the red vector and the blue vector). Enter those, and check your answers.
  3. Finally, work out the magnitude and angle of the resultant vector. The angle is in degrees, measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis, which points to the right. Check your answers, and correct any mistakes.
  4. Once you've solved the problem, get a new pair of vectors and try it all again to get more practice.
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