PhysicsLAB Practice Problems
Vector Addition

Topics: On this worksheet you will practice adding vectors. Remember that when vectors are added graphically by using the head-to-tail method the resultant is the vector that connects the beginning of the first vector to the end of the final vector. You will be asked questions regarding each resultant's magnitude and direction.

Page Directions The numerical values in this worksheet are randomly generated allowing students the opportunity to conveniently practice, and drill, common situations.

Before beginning any given worksheet, please look over all of the questions and make sure that there are no duplicate answers shown for the same question. If duplicates are present simply refresh the page until every answer is unique.

In order to check an answer (even when you are just starting the worksheet on Question 1) it is necessary to omit any questions that you have not answered. Once you start submitting answers, the page may be checked as many times as necesasary without changing the randomized answers. Relevant scoring will be provided at the top of the page only when you answer all of the questions on your original submission.


The example vectors displayed in the table below are not drawn to scale; however, they do indicate correct relative directions.

x

b

a

z


Question 1  Given the vectors: x = (14 meters, 0º) and z = (4 meters, 0º).

What is the magnitude, or length, of R1 = x + 4z?
Question 2  What is the magnitude, or length, of R2 = 4x - z?

NOTE: subtracting a vector means that you should add a vector that has the same magnitude, but points in 180º the opposite direction.
Question 3  What is the direction of R3 if R3 = - R2
Question 4  Given the vectors: x = (14 meters, 0º) and a = (7 meters, 50º)

What is the magnitude, or length, of R4 = x + 3a?
Question 5  What is the direction of R4 in degrees?
Question 6  Given the vectors: a = (7 meters, 50º) and b = (26 meters, 90º)

What is the magnitude, or length, of R5 = 4a - 4b
Question 7  What is the direction of R5 in degrees?


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