Explain the parallelogram method for vector addition. Also,explain how this is comparable to the triangle method.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) $1$. Consider two vectors $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ as shown in figure $(a)$.
$2$. To add them using the parallelogram method,place the tails of both vectors at a common point $O$ as shown in figure $(b)$.
$3$. Construct a parallelogram $OPSQ$ such that $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ are adjacent sides. The diagonal $OS$ starting from $O$ represents the resultant vector $\vec{R} = \vec{A} + \vec{B}$.
$4$. In the triangle method,we place the tail of $\vec{B}$ at the head of $\vec{A}$. The resultant is the vector from the tail of $\vec{A}$ to the head of $\vec{B}$,as shown in figure $(c)$.
$5$. Since the side $PS$ in the parallelogram is parallel and equal to $OQ$ (which is $\vec{B}$),the triangle $OPS$ in the parallelogram method is identical to the triangle formed in the triangle method.
$6$. Thus,both methods yield the same resultant vector $\vec{R}$.
$7$. The magnitude of the resultant vector satisfies the triangle inequality: $|\vec{R}| \leq |\vec{A}| + |\vec{B}|$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The sum of the magnitudes of two vectors $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ is $8$,and the magnitude of their resultant is $4$. If the resultant vector is perpendicular to one of the vectors,then the magnitudes of the two vectors $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ are:

Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of two vectors $A$ and $B$ in terms of their magnitudes and the angle $\theta$ between them.

Give the equations to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector of two vectors $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ that are inclined at an angle $\theta$ to each other.

The figure shows three vectors $p$,$q$,and $r$,where $C$ is the midpoint of $AB$. Which of the following relations is correct?

The vectors $\vec{A}$ and $\vec{B}$ are such that $|\vec{A}+\vec{B}|=|\vec{A}-\vec{B}|$. The angle between the two vectors is: (in $^{\circ}$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo