Question

If a vector is multiplied by a scalar:

(a) Then its magnitude is increased by the square root of that scalar’s magnitude

(b) Then its magnitude is increased by the square of that scalar’s magnitude

(c) Then its magnitude is increased by the amount of that scalar’s magnitude

(d) You cannot multiply the vector with a scalar

The question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

Enquiry is from Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces in portion Force Vectors of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Right option is (c) Then its magnitude is increased by the amount of that scalar’s magnitude

Best explanation: If a vector is multiplied by a scalar then its magnitude is increased by the amount of that scalar’s magnitude. When multiplied by a negative scalar it going to change the directional sense of the vector.