key term - Vector addition

Definition

Vector addition is the process of combining two or more vectors to determine their cumulative effect. It involves summing the magnitudes and directions using graphical or analytical methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vectors are added by placing them head-to-tail in a sequence and drawing a resultant vector from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector.
2. The components of vectors can be added algebraically by summing their individual $x$ and $y$ components.
3. In two-dimensional kinematics, vector addition is used to calculate resultant velocities when multiple velocity vectors are involved.
4. For electric fields created by multiple charges, vector addition helps determine the net electric field at a point by summing contributions from each charge.
5. Vector addition obeys the commutative property: $\mathbf{A} + \mathbf{B} = \mathbf{B} + \mathbf{A}$.

Review Questions

Related terms

Resultant Vector:

The single vector that has the same effect as two or more vectors being added together.

Component Vectors: Projections of a vector along the coordinate axes, usually denoted as $x$ and $y$ components in two dimensions.

Electric Field:

A field around charged particles that exerts force on other charged particles, represented as vectors pointing away from positive charges and toward negative charges.