Resultant Vector
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Resultant Vector
A vector formed by the addition/ subtraction of two or more vectors. This vector is drawn from the tail of the first vector to be added to the tip of the last to be added.
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Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Resultant vector
A resultant vector is the vector sum of two or more vectors. Its components are the sums of the corresponding components of the vectors being combined. For example, two equal forces in opposite directions have a zero resultant even though both forces are present.
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Vector
A vector is a quantity with a magnitude and a direction, represented by an arrow or by components along chosen axes. Vectors add by adding corresponding components rather than simply adding their magnitudes. For example, an eastward displacement followed by a northward displacement produces a resultant pointing northeast. The zero vector has zero magnitude and no unique direction.