WORKSHEET WEEK 1

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A BRIEF REVIEW OF VECTORS
In this course, you will deal with host of topics which will require solid understanding of vectors.
Even if you feel confident with vectors, we urge you to review vectors or else you may miss on
what would otherwise be some easy questions. You should be able to answer all the questions in
this worksheet.

For solving the vector problems, in addition to graphical representation of vectors, you need to
know the

i. Pythagorean theorem
ii. trigonometric functions- sine, cosine and tangent
iii. inverse trigonometric functions- sin-1, cos-1, and tan-1

Answer the Following questions:

1. What is the difference between a vector and a scalar quantity? Give examples.

2. Given that A B C , and that A 2 B2 C2 , how are A and B oriented relative to one
another. Explain your answer.

3. Given that A B C , and that A B C , how are A and B oriented relative to one
another. Explain your answer.

4. Explain the meaning of resolving a vector. Give an example.

5. Can you get the original vector from its components? Explain your answer by giving an
example.

6. When do you need to use component method for vector addition?

7. In the space to the right, draw the vectors C , D and E where C 2 A, D A B and

E A B . Clearly label the vectors C , D and E . Explain your answers.

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WORKSHEET WEEK 1
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8. In the space to the right draw the resultant vectors R and R' where R A B C and

R ' A B C . Clearly label the resultant vectors. Explain your answers.\

9. In the figure below, a vector R is shown that is the net resultant of two other vectors A

and B (i.e., R A B ). Vector A is given. Find the vector B that when added to A

produces R . Briefly explain your answer.

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WORKSHEET WEEK 1
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10. For the following figure, write an algebraic equation for the x-component N x .

Nx=

11. Vector A has a magnitude of 6.00 units and points due east. Vector B points due north.

(a) What is the magnitude of vector B , if the vector A B points 60.0 north of east?

(b) Find the magnitude of vector A B .

Know:

Want:

Strategy:

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WORKSHEET WEEK 1
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12. Vector A has a magnitude of 3.5 m and points 45 above the positive x axis, vector B

has a magnitude of 2.5 m and points 35 below the positive x axis and vector C has a
magnitude of 2.5 m and points 30 below the negative x axis.

(a) Find the magnitude and direction of A B C .

(b) Find the magnitude and direction of a fourth vector D such that

(A B) (C D) 0.
(c) Is the sum of vectors independent of the order in which the vectors are added?
Explain your answer.

Know:

Want:

Strategy:

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WORKSHEET WEEK 1
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Part B.

Part C.

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