PhysicsLAB Practice Problems
Vector Addition


Directions: On this worksheet you will practice adding vectors. Remember that vectors are added graphically by using the head-to-tail method and that the resultant is the vector that connects the beginning of the first vector to the end of the final vector. You will be asked questions regarding each resultant's magnitude and direction. The example vectors displayed in the table below are not drawn to scale; however, they do indicate correct relative directions.


x

b

a

z

Question 1  Given the vectors: x = (18 meters, 0º) and z = (6 meters, 0º).

What is the magnitude, or length, of R1 = x + 2z?
Question 2  What is the magnitude, or length, of R2 = 4x - z?

NOTE: subtracting a vector means that you should add a vector that has the same magnitude, but points in 180º the opposite direction.
Question 3  What is the direction of R3 if R3 = - R2
Question 4  Given the vectors: x = (18 meters, 0º) and a = (5 meters, 41º)

What is the magnitude, or length, of R4 = x + 3a?
Question 5  What is the direction of R4 in degrees?
Question 6  Given the vectors: a = (5 meters, 41º) and b = (20 meters, 90º)

What is the magnitude, or length, of R5 = 4a - 2b
Question 7  What is the direction of R5 in degrees?


PhysicsLAB
Copyright © 1997-2023
Catharine H. Colwell
All rights reserved.
Application Programmer
Mark Acton