Question

The solving for the unknown forces in the belts requires vector math. So if a vector is multiplied by a scalar in the belt system of forces then_________

(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 an amount of that scalar’s magnitude

(d) You cannot multiply the vector with a scalar

This question was posed to me during an internship interview.

This key question is from Frictional Forces on Flat Belts topic in division Friction of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

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

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