Question

A student adds two vectors of magnitudes 48 m and 22 m. What are the maximum and minimum possible values for the resultant of these two vectors.

Answer 1

Maximum=70 m

Minimum=26 m

Step-by-step explanation:

Vector Addition

Since vectors have magnitude and direction, adding them takes into consideration not only the magnitudes but also their respective directions. Two vectors can be totally collaborative, i.e., point to the same direction, or be totally opposite. In the first case, the magnitude of the sum is at maximum. Otherwise, it's at a minimum.

Thus, the maximum magnitude of the sum is 48+22 = 70 m and the minimum magnitude of the sum is 48-22= 26 m