The magnitudes of two vectors vector A and vector B are A = 6 units and B = 1 units. What is the smallest possible magnitude of the sum, vector A + vector B?

Question

asked Aug 9, 2020 223k views

1 Answer

Rob Porter · Answer 1 · 2020-08-15T20:22:53+0000

Answer:5 units

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

magnitude of vector A
$|\vec{A}|=6 units$

magnitude of vector B
$|\vec{B}|=1 unit$

Smallest value of vector addition can be obtained when they are at angle of
$180^(\circ)$

i.e.
$\vec{A}+\vec{B}=\vec{R}$

where R is resultant vector

$|\vec{R}|=6-1=5\ units$

when two vectors are
$180^(\circ)$ apart then they Produce minimum magnitude vector