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Vector Sum of Forces (2D)

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Last modified by
on
Sep 3, 2024, 6:56:38 PM
Created by
on
Mar 19, 2015, 3:00:06 AM
`vecF_("net") = ( vecF_(ax) + vecF_(bx) ) hatx + ( vecF_(ay) + vecF_(by) ) haty`
`(vecF_(ax)) "x-component"`
` (vecF_(ay)) "y-component"`
`(vecF_(bx))"x-component" `
`(vecF_(by))"y-component" `

The Vector Sum of Forces (2D) calculator computes the sum of two vectors by summing the x and y components of the two vectors.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

  • (`vecF_"ax"`) x component of vector A
  • (`vecF_"ay"`) y component of vector A
  • (`vecF_"bx"`) x component of vector B
  • (`vecF_"by"`) y component of vector B

Vector Sum of Forces (2D) (`vecF_"net"`): The resulting vector is returned in Newtons.

The Math / Science

The Vector Sum of Forces (2D) equation computes the sum of two vectors by summing the x and y components of the two vectors.

To simplify the graphical example we show vector `vecA` begins at the origin of the Cartesian axes and so that vector `vecA` points to the point [`vecA_x`, `vecA_y`]. Nevertheless, we know that these vectors and this vector addition can occur anywhere on the X/Y plane.

/attachments/0bf3c046-cde4-11e4-a3bb-bc764e2038f2/Vectoradditionbycomponents-illustration.png

Notes

A vector is a mathematical concept of an object that has direction and length.  A line alone is not a vector but a line with orientation spanning the distance between two points in space is a vector.

Figure A shows the vector summation:   `vecC` = `vecA` + `vecB` with `vecA` having it's start at the origin for simplification.

Figure B shows the x and y components of vector `vecA` (in red).

Figure C shows the x and y components of vector `vecB` (in purple).

Vector `vecC`'s coordinates = [`vecC_x` , `vec C_y`] = [`vec A_x` + `vecB_x`, `vecA_y` + `vecB_y`]


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