Ch.

2 Vectors & Equilibrium

Conceptual
𝑄𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

Class 11 Physics Federal Board

Yes it is possible to add three vectors of equal magnitude but different directions to get a
null vector
Explanation:
Consider three vectors 𝑨, 𝑩 and 𝑪 of equal lengths added to each other in the form of
equilateral triangle

𝑪
𝑩

As the head of last vector joins tail of first vector, so there is no space to draw resultant
vector
Hence, resultant is zero ( a null vector)
Q. 2: The magnitudes of three vectors are 2 m , 3 m, and 5 m, respectively. The directions
are at your disposal. Can these three vectors be added to yield zero. Illustrate with diagam

Yes, three vectors of different magnitudes can be added to give zero resultant
Explanation:
Consider 2 m and 3 m vectors pointing to left side and 5 m vector is pointing to right side
2m 3m

5m

By adding these vectors we get a zero resultant vector

R=0
Q. 3: What units are associative with the unit vectors 𝒊, 𝒋 and 𝒌 = ?

Definition: A vector whose magnitude is one and is just used to represent direction of a
vector is called unit vector
Mathematical Form
𝑨 =|𝑪|𝑨

𝑨
𝑨 =
| 𝑨|

Since vector and its magnitude have same units so cancel each other
Therefore unit vectors have no units
Q. 4: Can a scalar product of two vectors be negative? Provide a proof and give, give an
example
Yes, the scalar product of two vectors can be negative if the angle between them is greater
than 90° and less than 270°
Explanation
Consider two vectors A and B making an angle 0 with one an other. The scalar product of
these two is written as
A ∙ B = AB cos 𝜃 °
It is clear that magnitude of scalar product depends on cos 𝜃 ° .
It gives negative value when 90° < 𝜃 < 270°
Proof when 𝜃 = 180° ;
A ∙ B = ABcos 180°
A ∙ B = AB (−1)
A ∙ B = − AB
Q. 4: ( continued)

Example
When driver of a moving car suddenly applies brakes,
car comes to rest
after covering some distance
Work done on car is negative because;
frictional force and displacement are in opposite direction (180°)
Work = F ∙ S = FScos 𝜃 °
Work = F ∙ S = FScos 180°
Work = F ∙ S = FS (−1)
Work = F ∙ S = −1FS
Q. 5: A and B are two nonzero vectors. How can their scalar product be zero?
And how can their vector product be zero?

For two nonzero vectors A and B , the magnitude of their scalar product
will be zero when they are perpendicular to each other and the magnitude of
their vector product will be zero when they are parallel to each other
The scalar product of these two is written as
A ∙ B = AB cos 𝜃 °
It is clear that magnitude of scalar product depends on cos 𝜃 ° .
When vectors A and B are perpendicular (𝜽 = 𝟗𝟎° )
A ∙ B = AB cos 90°
A ∙ B = AB (0)
A∙B=0
When vectors A and B are parallel (𝜽 = 𝟎° )
A × B = AB sin 0°
A × B = AB (0)
A×B=0
Q. 6: Suppose you are given a known nonzero vector A. Scalar product of A with an unknwon
vector B is zero. Likewise, the vector product of A with B is nonzero. What can you conclude
about vector B?

Answer
It is concluded that vector B is non-zero making angle of 90o with vector A
Explanation
scalar product of A and B = zero vector product of A and B = nonzero

A ∙ B = AB cos 90° A × B = AB sin 90°

A ∙ B = AB (0) A × B = AB (1)

A∙B=0 A × B = AB
Q. 7: Why a particle experiencing only one force cannot be in equilibrium?

Answer
For a body to be in equilibrium, all the forces acting on the body should balance the effect of
each other, so the minimum number of forces required for a body to be in equilibrium is two.
Explanation
According to 1st condition of equilibrium
net force = 0
But for single force
net force ≠ 0
Thus a particle under the effect of single force cannot cancel the effect of force and cannot be
in equilibrium
Q. 8: To open a door that has the handle on the right and the hinges on the left a torque
must be applied. Is the torque clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above?
Does your answer depend on whether the door opens towards or away from you?

Answer
If the door opens towards you and viewed from above, the torque will be clockwise. And if
the door opens away from you and viewed from above, the torque will be anticlockwise
Explanation
The torque acting on the door depends on whether the door opens towards you or away from
you.
If the door opens towards you, the torque exerted will be clockwise,
because when viewed from above, the door moves clockwise
If the door opens away from you, then the torque exerted will be anticlockwise,
because when viewed from above the door moves anticlockwise.
Q. 9: Explain the warning ‘Never use a large wrench to tighten a small bolt’

Answer
Wrench applies torque to loose or tighten the bolt and if force and angle are constant then
torque is directly proportional to moment arm.
Explanation
𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝜏 ∝ 𝑟 (𝑏𝑦 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡)
Large wrench means a wrench whose moment arm is large,
If we use that large wrench to tighten a small bolt, then there is a possibility that the bolt
might got slip.
So to avoid such mishaps there is a warning that 'Never use a large wrench to tighten a small
bolt.’
Q. 10: A central force Is one that is always directed toward the same point. Can a central
force give rise to a torque about that point?

Answer
No, a central force cannot give rise to a torque about a point
Explanation
As central force is always directed toward the same point therefore the angle between
central force and moment arm is always 180°

Example
𝝉 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
The gravitational force acting on a satellite is always directed
𝝉 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛 180°
towards the center of the earth and is therefore a central
𝝉 = 𝑟𝐹(0)
force. It doesn't produce any torque in the satellite.
𝝉= 0