Vector Addition Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental formulas and special cases for vector addition and resultant calculations.

Vector Addition Formula

The formula used to find the magnitude of the resultant vector $R$ given by $R = \sqrt{A^2 + B^2 + 2AB \cos(\theta)}$.

$$R_{max}$$

The maximum resultant magnitude which occurs when $\theta = 0^\circ$ and $\cos(\theta) = 1$, yielding $R = A + B$.

$$R_{min}$$

The minimum resultant magnitude which occurs when $\theta = 180^\circ$ and $\cos(\theta) = -1$, yielding $R = |A - B|$.

Resultant for Perpendicular Vectors

The magnitude of the resultant vector when $\theta = 90^\circ$ and $\cos(\theta) = 0$, resulting in $R = \sqrt{A^2 + B^2}$.