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Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
Exam
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Physics and Mathematics

Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Physics and Mathematics

For the resultant of several vectors, its x-component

For the resultant of several vectors, its x-component

Options

  1. Aequals the sum of the x-components of the individual vectors
  2. Bmight be equal to the sum of the magnitudes of the vectors
  3. Cmight be less than the sum of the magnitudes of the vectors
  4. Dmight be greater than the sum of the magnitudes of the vectors

Correct answer

C. might be less than the sum of the magnitudes of the vectors

Step-by-step solution

Let the vectors be A⃗1,A⃗2,…,A⃗n\vec{A}_1, \vec{A}_2, \dots, \vec{A}_n.

The resultant vector is R⃗=A⃗1+A⃗2+⋯+A⃗n\vec{R} = \vec{A}_1 + \vec{A}_2 + \dots + \vec{A}_n.

Taking the x-component on both sides, Rx=A1x+A2x+⋯+AnxR_x = A_{1x} + A_{2x} + \dots + A_{nx}. Thus, the x-component of the resultant equals the sum of the x-components of the individual vectors.

The magnitude of the resultant satisfies ∣R⃗∣≤∣A⃗1∣+∣A⃗2∣+⋯+∣A⃗n∣|\vec{R}| \le |\vec{A}_1| + |\vec{A}_2| + \dots + |\vec{A}_n|.

Since the x-component of any vector cannot exceed its magnitude, Rx≤∣R⃗∣R_x \le |\vec{R}|.

Combining these inequalities gives Rx≤∣A⃗1∣+∣A⃗2∣+⋯+∣A⃗n∣R_x \le |\vec{A}_1| + |\vec{A}_2| + \dots + |\vec{A}_n|.

If all vectors are directed along the positive x-axis, Rx=∣A⃗1∣+∣A⃗2∣+⋯+∣A⃗n∣R_x = |\vec{A}_1| + |\vec{A}_2| + \dots + |\vec{A}_n|.

If the vectors are not all directed along the positive x-axis, Rx<∣A⃗1∣+∣A⃗2∣+⋯+∣A⃗n∣R_x < |\vec{A}_1| + |\vec{A}_2| + \dots + |\vec{A}_n|.

Therefore, the x-component of the resultant might be equal to or less than the sum of the magnitudes of the vectors, but it can never be greater.
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