Sat 14 Feb 2009
Kenny_McLovin asked:
When vectors are added, the sum is called the resultant vector. In the experimental
method of adding vectors, you are not actually adding vectors. You are taking three
vectors and adding a fourth one to them, so that the result is zero. Since this puts the
system in equilibrium, the vector that is added is called the equilibrant. The resultant
and the equilibrant are not the same, but they are related.
When vectors are added, the sum is called the resultant vector. In the experimental
method of adding vectors, you are not actually adding vectors. You are taking three
vectors and adding a fourth one to them, so that the result is zero. Since this puts the
system in equilibrium, the vector that is added is called the equilibrant. The resultant
and the equilibrant are not the same, but they are related.
(a) What is the relationship between magnitudes of the resultant and the equilibrant?
(b) What is the relationship between the directions of the resultant and the equilibrant?
