Vectors

>Graphical Method

1. With itstail at the origin, draw the 1st vector and properly label it.
2. Then, draw the tail of the 2nd vector at the head of the 1st vector.
3. The resultant vector is an arrow drawn from the tail of the 1st vector to the head of the 2nd vector.
4. Using a ruler, measure the length of the resultant vector. Then convert this length back to the original using the scale. This is the magnitude. Using a protractor, measure angle theta. This is the direction.


>Component Method

1. First, break down each vector into its x- and y- components.
2. Add all the x-components together. Add all the y-components together. The total x-component will be the x-component of the resultant Rx and the total y-component will be the y-component of the resultant Ry.

(Ref: e-Physics The Next Generation)