Vector Operations and Resolution
1. Vector Operations
Vectors can be combined and manipulated in different ways. The most common operations
are addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product.
A. Addition of Vectors
Graphical Methods:
1. Triangle Law – Place the tail of the second vector at the head of the first. The resultant
vector is from the tail of the first to the head of the second.
2. Parallelogram Law – Place both vectors from a common origin, complete the
parallelogram, and the diagonal gives the resultant.
Analytical Method (Component-wise):
If A = Ax i + Ay j and B = Bx i + By j
then R = A + B = (Ax + Bx)i + (Ay + By)j
B. Subtraction of Vectors
A - B = A + (-B).
Geometrically, reverse the direction of B and add to A.
C. Scalar Multiplication
Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes its magnitude but not its direction (unless the
scalar is negative, then direction reverses).
kA = (kAx)i + (kAy)j
D. Dot Product (Scalar Product)
Definition: A · B = |A||B| cosθ
Result is a scalar. Useful for work, projections, and finding angles.
In components: A · B = AxBx + AyBy + AzBz
E. Cross Product (Vector Product)
Definition: A × B = |A||B| sinθ n̂ , where n̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to A and B (right-
hand rule).
Result is a vector. Applications: torque, angular momentum, magnetic force.
In components:
A×B=|i j k |
| Ax Ay Az |
| Bx By Bz |
2. Vector Resolution
Resolution means breaking a single vector into two or more components along chosen
directions.
A. Rectangular Resolution
Suppose a vector A makes an angle θ with the x-axis.
Components:
Ax = |A| cosθ, Ay = |A| sinθ
Thus, A = Ax i + Ay j
B. Resolution in 3D
If vector A makes angles α, β, γ with the x, y, z axes:
Ax = |A| cosα, Ay = |A| cosβ, Az = |A| cosγ
So, A = Ax i + Ay j + Az k
C. General Resolution Along Non-Perpendicular Directions
If two non-perpendicular directions are chosen (say along u and v), then:
A = a u + b v, where a and b are found using projections.