To calculate the sum of two vectors using the parallelogram method, where should the blue line be placed
Advanced Placement (AP) · High School · Wed Jan 13 2021
Answered on
The parallelogram method is a graphical method used to add two vectors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the parallelogram method to calculate the sum of two vectors:
- Draw the vectors: Represent the two vectors as arrows with their tails at the same point.
- Complete the parallelogram: Draw a parallelogram using the vectors as two adjacent sides. The vectors represent consecutive sides of the parallelogram.
- Draw the diagonal of the parallelogram: The diagonal drawn from the common tail of the vectors to the opposite corner of the parallelogram represents the sum of the two vectors.
So, the "blue line" in your question should be drawn as the diagonal of the parallelogram formed by the two vectors.
If you have Vector A and Vector B, you draw them as arrows with their tails at the same point. Then, the blue line (diagonal) starting from the common tail and going to the opposite corner of the parallelogram represents the sum of Vector A and Vector B.
This method illustrates the vector addition using the geometric properties of parallelograms.