Draw the frame of reference

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

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Introduction

In physics, vectors are used to represent quantities with both magnitude and direction. When dealing with vector addition, it's essential to understand how to combine these quantities to obtain the resultant vector. In this article, we will create a vector diagram depicting the addition of two vectors, u and v, with their respective magnitudes and directions.

Understanding Vectors

A vector is a quantity with both magnitude and direction. It can be represented graphically as an arrow in a coordinate system. The magnitude of a vector is its length, while the direction is the angle it makes with a reference axis. In this case, we have two vectors:

Vector u: 12 m/s [N30°E]
Vector v: 8.0 m/s [W15°S]

Creating the Vector Diagram

To create the vector diagram, we need to follow these steps:

Draw the frame of reference: The frame of reference is the coordinate system in which the vectors are represented. It consists of two perpendicular axes, usually labeled as x and y.
Draw vector u: Draw an arrow representing vector u, with its tail at the origin of the frame of reference. The length of the arrow should be proportional to the magnitude of the vector (12 m/s). The direction of the arrow should be at an angle of 30° east of north.
Draw vector v: Draw an arrow representing vector v, with its tail at the origin of the frame of reference. The length of the arrow should be proportional to the magnitude of the vector (8.0 m/s). The direction of the arrow should be at an angle of 15° west of south.
Add the vectors: To add the vectors, we need to find the resultant vector. However, since we are not required to calculate the resultant, we will simply draw the vectors as they are.

Drawing the Frame of Reference

The frame of reference is the coordinate system in which the vectors are represented. It consists of two perpendicular axes, usually labeled as x and y. In this case, we will use a Cartesian coordinate system with the x-axis pointing east and the y-axis pointing north.

  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  x-axis (E)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  y-axis (N)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+

Drawing Vector u

Vector u has a magnitude of 12 m/s and a direction of N30°E. To draw the vector, we need to find the x and y components of the vector.

  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  x-axis (E)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  y-axis (N)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+
  |  12 m/s     |
  |  N30°E     |
  |  (x, y)    |
  |  (10.39, 6.93)|
  +---------------+

Drawing Vector v

Vector v has a magnitude of 8.0 m/s and a direction of W15°S. To draw the vector, we need to find the x and y components of the vector.

  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  x-axis (E)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+
  |              |
  |  y-axis (N)  |
  |              |
  +---------------+
  |  8.0 m/s    |
  |  W15°S     |
  |  (x, y)    |
  |  (-6.93, -7.07)|
  +---------------+

Conclusion

In this article, we created a vector diagram depicting the addition of two vectors, u and v, with their respective magnitudes and directions. We drew the frame of reference, vector u, and vector v, and added the vectors. The resultant vector is not required to be calculated, but the diagram provides a clear representation of the vector addition process.

References

[1] Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of physics. John Wiley & Sons.
[2] Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for scientists and engineers. Cengage Learning.

Keywords

Vector addition
Frame of reference
Vector diagram
Physics
Vector magnitude
Vector direction

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Q&A: Vector Addition Diagram

Q: What is a vector diagram?

A: A vector diagram is a graphical representation of vectors, which are quantities with both magnitude and direction. It is a useful tool for visualizing and understanding vector addition.

Q: What is the frame of reference in a vector diagram?

A: The frame of reference is the coordinate system in which the vectors are represented. It consists of two perpendicular axes, usually labeled as x and y.

Q: How do I draw a vector diagram?

A: To draw a vector diagram, follow these steps:

Draw the frame of reference.
Draw each vector as an arrow, with its tail at the origin of the frame of reference.
Label each vector with its magnitude and direction.

Q: What is the difference between vector u and vector v?

A: Vector u has a magnitude of 12 m/s and a direction of N30°E, while vector v has a magnitude of 8.0 m/s and a direction of W15°S.

Q: How do I add vectors u and v?

A: To add vectors u and v, you need to find the resultant vector. However, since we are not required to calculate the resultant, we will simply draw the vectors as they are.

Q: What is the resultant vector?

A: The resultant vector is the vector that results from adding two or more vectors. In this case, we are not required to calculate the resultant vector.

Q: What are the x and y components of vector u?

A: The x and y components of vector u are (10.39, 6.93).

Q: What are the x and y components of vector v?

A: The x and y components of vector v are (-6.93, -7.07).

Q: What is the purpose of a vector diagram?

A: The purpose of a vector diagram is to provide a clear and visual representation of vector addition, making it easier to understand and analyze the resulting vector.

Q: Can I use a vector diagram to solve problems in physics?

A: Yes, vector diagrams are a useful tool for solving problems in physics, particularly those involving vector addition and subtraction.

Q: What are some common applications of vector diagrams?

A: Vector diagrams are commonly used in physics, engineering, and other fields to represent and analyze vectors. Some common applications include:

Calculating the resultant force on an object
Determining the velocity of an object
Analyzing the motion of an object

Conclusion

In this article, we provided a comprehensive guide to creating a vector diagram, including a Q&A section to address common questions and concerns. We hope this article has been helpful in understanding vector addition and diagramming.

References

[1] Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of physics. John Wiley & Sons.
[2] Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for scientists and engineers. Cengage Learning.

Keywords

Vector addition
Frame of reference
Vector diagram
Physics
Vector magnitude
Vector direction
Resultant vector
X and y components
Vector analysis
Problem-solving