Chapter 3.2 Worksheet - Vector Addition
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 vector.
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 ( in color) 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.
1. Add the following vectors and determine the resultant.
3.0 m/s, 45 deg and 5.0 m/s, 135 deg
2. Add the following vectors and determine the resultant.
5.0 m/s, 45 deg and 2.0 m/s, 180 deg
3. Add the following vectors and determine the resultant.
6.0 m/s, 225 deg and 2.0 m/s, 90 deg
4. Add the following vectors and determine the resultant.
4.0 m/s, 135 deg and 4.0 m/s, 315 deg
5. Add the following vectors and determine the resultant.
5.0 m/s, 45 deg and 2.5 m/s, 135 deg