Vectors can be added together in step-wise fashion using a head-to-tail diagram. The first vector is drawn with its indicated direction and magnitude. The second vector is then added such that its tail (beginning) is placed at the head (arrowhead) of the first vector. This process is repeated for the third vector, with its tail being positioned at the head of the second vector. Once all three vectors have been added in this head-to-tail method, the resultant is drawn from the tail of the first vector to the head of the third vector.
Head-to-Tail Vector Addition - Questions 1 Help
There are 18 questions in this Concept Builder. They are all pretty much the same. You have to determine which diagram is the proper head-to-tail addition diagram for the addition of three vectors. Each vector is displayed; the magnitude and direction is shown. Here is one of the 18 questions:
Identify the correct head-to-tail vector addition diagram for this vector addition equation:
Try these links to The Physics Classroom Tutorial for more help with the process of adding vectors:
Vector Addition
Resultants