b) Addition and subtraction

b) vector addition and subtraction

A vector quantity is represented by a line with an arrow pointing in one direction

• The length of the line represents magnitude

• The direction of the arrow represents direction

A resultant vector (including its magnitude and direction) is calculated by adding or subtracting the multiple vector quantities

• Parallel vectors (same line and direction)

  • Magnitude

    • Add the magnitudes of both the vector quantities together

  • Direction

    • The same direction as the vector quantities

• Antiparallel vectors (same line, different direction)

  • Magnitude

    • Designate one vector quantity positive and the other negative

    • Add the magnitudes of both the vector quantities together

  • Direction

    • The same direction as the larger vector quantity