Two displacement vectors have magnitudes of 5.0 m and 7.0 m,respectively.If these two vectors are added together,the magnitude of the sum
A)is equal to 2.0 m.
B)could be as small as 2.0 m or as large as 12 m.
C)is equal to 12 m.
D)is equal to 8.6 m.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnitude of the sum of two vectors depends on their direction relative to each other. If they are in the same direction, their sum is the maximum possible, which is 12 m (5.0 m + 7.0 m). If they are in opposite directions, the sum is the minimum possible, which is 2.0 m (7.0 m - 5.0 m). Therefore, the magnitude could be as small as 2.0 m or as large as 12 m, depending on their relative directions.

Two Displacement Vectors Have Magnitudes of 5