Three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero

In summary, the given problem involves three vectors A, B, and C that add together to yield zero. A and C point in opposite directions and A is equal to twice the magnitude of C. The task is to determine which of the following conclusions is correct: A) B and C have equal magnitudes and point in the same direction, B) A and B have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions, C) B and C have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions, D) A and B point in the same direction, but A has twice the magnitude of B, or E) B and C point in the same direction, but C has twice the magnitude of B.
  • #1
crono_
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Homework Statement



Three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero: A + B + C = 0. The vectors A and C point in opposite directions and their magnitudes are related by the expression: A = 2C. Which one of the following conclusions is correct.

A. B and C have equal magnitudes and point in the same direction.
B. A and B have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions.
C. B and C have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions.
D. A and B point in the same direction, but A has twice the magnitude of B.
E. B and C point in the same direction, but C has twice the magnitude of B.


Homework Equations



A + B + C = 0

A = 2C

The Attempt at a Solution



I've never been good at these types of problems. They feel like brain teasers. I was thinking about replacing A, B, and C with numbers. A being equal to 2 times C. But that didn't work out as smoothly as I had hoped.

Um...help, please?
 
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  • #2
A points in the opposite direction of C, so there is a negative involved: A = -2C.
With this, you can view it as
-2C + B + C = 0 ... (1)
-C + B = B - C = 0 ... (2)
Now you just have to figure out what set of vectors for B satisfy expression (2).
 
  • #3
Sorry, I'm still not following...

Expression (1) makes sense, but (2) doesn't...
 

Related to Three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero

1. What does it mean when three vectors add together to yield zero?

When three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero, it means that the three vectors are balanced and cancel each other out. This is known as the principle of vector addition where the resultant vector is equal to the sum of all the individual vectors.

2. How is vector addition different from regular addition?

Vector addition is different from regular addition in that it involves both magnitude and direction. Vectors are represented by arrows, where the length of the arrow represents the magnitude and the direction of the arrow represents the direction. Regular addition only involves adding numbers without considering magnitude or direction.

3. Can three non-collinear vectors ever add together to yield zero?

No, three non-collinear vectors cannot add together to yield zero. Collinear vectors are vectors that lie on the same line and their magnitudes are proportional to each other. In order for three vectors to add to zero, their magnitudes and directions must be balanced, which is not possible with non-collinear vectors.

4. Is the order of adding the vectors important in vector addition?

Yes, the order of adding the vectors is important in vector addition. The resultant vector will be different if the order of addition is changed. This is because vectors are not commutative, meaning changing the order of addition will result in a different outcome.

5. Can vectors with different dimensions be added together?

No, vectors with different dimensions cannot be added together. In order to add vectors, they must have the same dimensions, meaning they must represent the same physical quantity (e.g. displacement, velocity, force).

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