Describe how can two or more velocities be combined

Two or more velocities can be combined using vector addition. The combination of velocities takes into account both the magnitude and direction of each velocity. Velocities are vector quantities, meaning they have both magnitude and direction.

Here are two common methods for combining velocities:

1. Graphical Method:

• Represent each velocity as an arrow on a coordinate system. The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the velocity, and the direction of the arrow represents the direction of the velocity.
• Place the arrows tip-to-tail, connecting the tail of the first arrow to the tip of the second arrow, and so on for additional velocities.
• The resulting arrow from the tail of the first to the tip of the last represents the combined velocity. Measure the length and direction of this arrow for the combined velocity.

1. Trigonometric Method:

• Break down each velocity into its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components using trigonometric functions (sine and cosine).
• Add the corresponding components separately. Summing the x-components gives the x-component of the combined velocity, and summing the y-components gives the y-component.
• Use these components to calculate the magnitude and direction of the combined velocity using trigonometry.

Mathematically, if you have velocities v1,v2,…,v1,v2​,…,vn ​, the combined velocity �

V is found by adding the vectors:

v=v1+v2+…+��​

It's essential to note that vector addition takes into account the vector nature of velocities, meaning that direction matters. This method applies to velocities in physics, where both magnitude and direction are crucial for a complete description of motion.