In class, we talked about how a vector is a mathematical quantity that has both a magnitude and a direction. Graphically, we can represent a vector as an arrow--the magnitude is indicated by the arrow's length, and the direction is represented by where the arrow points.In physics, we will find it necessary to carry out mathematical operations with vectors. One can understand how vector addition works by using graphical representations (arrows). In class, we discussed two common ways to graphically add two vectors--the "tip to tail" method and the parallelogram method. Play around with the interactive vector addition tool at http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/vector-addition/vector-addition_en.html.
- Which method of vector addition do you prefer?
- Is vector addition commutative, e.g., if A and B are vectors, is A + B = B + A always true?
I prefer the "tip-to-tail" method in the process of adding vectors. I find it a lot easier to comprehend the material. It's just easier to visualize.
ReplyDeleteDid you try the interactive link?
ReplyDeleteI agree with 'Nibz' in that the "tip-to-tail" method is much easier to add vectors. I also tried the interactive link and thought it was a good way to explore both types.
ReplyDeleteThe interactive link made it easier to understand adding and subtracting vectors. I support the "tip-to-tail" method, as well.
ReplyDeletei really like the tip to tail method. and for number two i think it should be the same, they may or may not be in the same direction but they should be equivalent in size.
ReplyDeleteFor the first question, i prefer the tip to tail method. I was absent the day we learned it but i picked up on what was going on using that method.
ReplyDeleteFor the second question, i think that A+B=B+A. If it were subtraction it would not work that way bc the direction would be different.
The tip to tail method is easy to use because it is the same process for every problem and is easy to remember. And for the second question, it works but only for addition, not subtraction i think.
ReplyDeletei agree i think the tip to tail method is easiest. it's easy to remember and also an easy concept to grasp. and i think vector addition is communative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments this week!
ReplyDelete