(My version of the word physics with some redundant lines removed.)

Four vectors are shown at the left (below). On the right is the diagram which enables you to find the vector sum (resultant). Note that after the first vector is drawn, each of the others starts where the previous one ended. These were done free-hand, so if you print it and measure lengths and angles, you will find errors. The vector sum (resultant) is red and dotted in the diagram at the right. This is known as the polygon method of vector addition.

Try drawing them in a different order. R should be the same.

After you have drawn all the vectors, connected as shown, the resultant goes from the starting point to the end point.

Note that the magnitude of a vector is represented by the length of the arrow, and by definition is non-negative. Think about it, and you will see that if you fiddle around with the angles:

 The minimum possible resultant magnitude is zero.
The maximum possible resultant magnitude is the sum of the magnitudes (which occurs if they are all pointing in the same direction).

Back to vectors, if that is where you came from.

My main pages: mechanics
fluids, heat, electricity and magnetism
vibrations and waves
quantum
index

Comments, questions: email fredrick.gram @tri-c.edu (remove space before @)