3.2 Addition of Vectors Addition of Vectors in Two Dimensions |
| Instructions: Click on the "Start Simulation" button to start the applet. When you position your mouse cursor over the applet a vector joining the origin of coordinates to the cursor position appears. You can change the vector by moving the mouse around. You set the value of the vector by just clicking the mouse button. The x and y components of the vector are displayed at the upper left corner. Once the first vector is selected, the applet's focus changes to the second vector. You can select the second vector by following the same method used in selecting the first. Immediately after selecting the second vector, the applet performs an animation illustrating the addition of the two vectors. All vector components are shown at the upper left corner. You can include the components of all the vectors on the graph by selecting the "info" checkbox. Navigation: You can come back to this window by pressing the "Close Simulation" button on the bottom frame of the utility. |
| Explanation: This utility illustrates the graphical and analytical methods used to add vectors as illustrated in sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the book. First, each vector is represented by its components. These are related to the magnitude of the vector and its direction by equations 3.1. The sum is performed by adding the components as shown in examples 3.3 and 3.4. The animation illustrates the graphical method used in adding vectors as discussed in section 3.2. |
| Source: Fu-Kwun Hwang Go to the web site and link to the Online Library for further information. |