Question

The magnitude of the resultant of the two vectors is always_____________

(a) Greater than one of the vector’s magnitude

(b) Smaller than one of the vector’s magnitude

(c) Depends on the angle between them

(d) Axis we choose to calculate the magnitude

I have been asked this question during an interview for a job.

The doubt is from Addition of a System of Coplanar Forces topic in section Force Vectors of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Depends on the angle between them

To elaborate: Yes, the magnitude of the resultant of the two vectors always depends on the angle between them. It might be greater or smaller than one of the vector’s length. For perfectly saying, it does depend upon the angle between them.