Question

The magnitudes of two vectors vector A and vector B are A = 6 units and B = 1 units. What is the smallest possible magnitude of the sum, vector A + vector B?

Answer 1

Answer:5 units

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

magnitude of vector A
`|\vec{A}|=6 units`

magnitude of vector B
`|\vec{B}|=1 unit`

Smallest value of vector addition can be obtained when they are at angle of
`180^(\circ)`

i.e.
`\vec{A}+\vec{B}=\vec{R}`

where R is resultant vector

`|\vec{R}|=6-1=5\ units`

when two vectors are
`180^(\circ)` apart then they Produce minimum magnitude vector