Parallelogram law of vector addition

In summary, The diagram shows that vector P is equal to vector BC and vector Q is equal to vector OB, with their magnitudes respectively equal. This leads to the congruency of triangles and the relationship between angle alpha and theta. However, the statement that angle alpha is equal to theta/2 is incorrect. The correct relationship is Tan(alpha) = Qsin(theta)/(P + Qcos(theta)). The resultant vector of P and Q touches C to form OC vectors, and the length of a vector represents its magnitude. Furthermore, when P and Q have the same magnitudes, the triangles OAC and OBC are similar. However, it is the angles ACO and BOC;AOC and BCO that are equal, not
  • #1
parshyaa
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  • Acording to this diagram vector P = vector BC and vector Q = vector OB(their magnitudes are also respectively equal.)
  • Therefore acoording to the congruency of triangles angle alpha = (theta)/2. But this is not right( what's wrong )
  • {Tan(alpha) = Qsin(theta)/(P + Qcos(thets)) ]
  • Why resultant vector of P vector and Q vector touches C to form OC vectors.
  • Does the length of vector represents its magnitude.
 
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  • #2
parshyaa said:
Therefore acoording to the congruency of triangles angle alpha = (theta)/2. But this is not right( what's wrong )

you have found something wrong...
so why not draw a good diagram say P=Q and angle theta=60 degree and check !
 
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  • #3
You are observing that OAC and OBC are similar (congruent) triangles.
If |OA|=|OB| (ie P and Q have the same magnitudes) then you have similar isosceles triangles.
What is the relationship between the angles then?
 
  • #4
You seem to be confused into thinking that angles AOC and angle BOC are equal because the two triangles are congruent.But its actually the angles ACO and BOC;AOC and BCO that are equal.
 
  • #5
Ohh sorry . It was just basic congurency .
Daymare said:
You seem to be confused into thinking that angles AOC and angle BOC are equal because the two triangles are congruent.But its actually the angles ACO and BOC;AOC and BCO that are equal.
,
 

Related to Parallelogram law of vector addition

1. What is the parallelogram law of vector addition?

The parallelogram law of vector addition states that when two vectors are added together, the resulting vector can be found by constructing a parallelogram with the two original vectors as adjacent sides. The diagonal of the parallelogram represents the resulting vector.

2. How is the parallelogram law of vector addition used in science?

In science, the parallelogram law of vector addition is used to find the resultant of multiple forces acting on an object. It can also be used in other areas of science, such as in fluid dynamics or electromagnetism.

3. What are the key principles of the parallelogram law of vector addition?

The key principles of the parallelogram law of vector addition are that vectors can be added together graphically using the parallelogram method, the order of addition does not matter, and the resultant vector is the diagonal of the parallelogram formed.

4. Can the parallelogram law of vector addition be used for more than two vectors?

Yes, the parallelogram law of vector addition can be extended to any number of vectors. Each vector can be added one at a time using the parallelogram method, and the final resultant vector will be the diagonal of the final parallelogram formed.

5. What is the significance of the parallelogram law of vector addition in physics?

The parallelogram law of vector addition is significant in physics because it allows us to mathematically represent and calculate the effects of multiple forces acting on an object. It is a fundamental concept in mechanics and is essential for understanding and solving problems related to force and motion.

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