F.

Sc XI Solved Exercise CH-02

Q2.1

Define the terms (i) unit vector (ii) Position vector (iii) Components of a vector?

A2.1

Unit Vector: A unit vector in a given direction is a vector with magnitude one in that direction.
Position Vector: The position vector r is a vector that describes the location of a particle with
respect to the origin.
Components of a vector: A component of a vector is its effective value in a given direction.

Q2.2

The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What can be the orientation of the
vectors?

A2.2

If three vectors are drawn, to make a closed triangle, then their vector sum will be zero.

Q2.3

Vector A lies in the xy plane. For what orientation will both of its rectangular components be
negative? For what orientation will its components have opposite signs?

A2.3

Vector A lies in 3rd quadrant, its rectangular components will be negative. When the vector will
lie in 2nd or 4th quadrant, its components will have opposite signs.

Q2.4

If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero, can its magnitude be zero? Explain.

A2.4

No. Its magnitude cannot be zero, when one of the components of the vector is not zero. E.g. if
2

Ax 0 & Ay = 0 then A = ((Ax) + (0) ) = (Ax) = Ax 0

Q2.5

Can a vector have a component greater than the vectors magnitude?

A2.5

No. A vector cannot have a component greater than the vectors magnitude.
2

As A = ((Ax) + (Ay) )
Q2.6

Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?

A2.6

No. The magnitude of a vector has always positive values; As A = ((Ax) 2 + (Ay) 2).

Q2.7

if A+B=0, what can you say about the components of the two vectors?

A2.7

A + B = 0 Two Vectors sum will be zero vector if their components are equal and opposite.

Q2.8

Under what circumstances would a vector have components that are equal in magnitude?

A2.8

When = 45o, the components will have equal magnitude for a vector making angle 45o with Xaxis.

Q2.9

Is it possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity? Explain.

A2.9

No. It is not possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity. Different physical quantities
cannot be added according to the rules of algebra.

Q2.10 Can you add zero to a null vector?

Asad Hussain BS-IT

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F.Sc XI Solved Exercise CH-02

A2.10 No. We cannot add zero to a null vector. Because zero, a scalar quantity cannot be added with a
vector quantity the null vector.
Q2.11 Two vectors have unequal magnitudes. Can their sum be zero? Explain.
A2.11 No. The sum of two unequal vectors cannot be zero. For the sum of vectors to be zero, the
vectors must have equal magnitude with opposite directions.
Q2.12 Show that the sum and differences of two perpendicular vectors of equal lengths are also
perpendicular and of the same length.
A2.12 Vectors A and B are perpendicular to each other having equal lengths we have:
(A + B) is to (A + B) i.e. sum and difference of the vectors are perpendicular to each other.
Q2.13 How would the two vectors of the same magnitude have to be oriented, if they were to be
combined to give a resultant equal to a vector of the same magnitude?
A2.13 When the angle between two vectors of same magnitude is 120o, the magnitudes of the
resultant will be same.
Q2.14 The two vectors to be combined have magnitude 60N and 35N. Pick the correct answer from
those given and tell why it is only one of the three that is correct. (i) 100N (ii) 70N (iii) 20N.
A2.14 A1 = 60N and A2 = 35N
Answer (ii) 70N is correct.
For maximum value, both vectors in same direction,
A1 + A2 = 60 + 35 = 95 cannot be (i) 100N,
For minimum value, both vectors having opposite direction,
A1 - A2 = 60 - 35 = 25 cannot be (iii) 20N.
Q2.15 Suppose the sides of a closed polygon represent vector arranged head to tail .What is the sum of
these vectors?
A2.15 The sum will be zero. Because the tail of first vector meets the head of last vector. Whenever
vector representation makes a closed shape its resultant vector is a null vector.
Q2.16 Identify the correct answer.
(i)
Two ships X and Y are travelling in different directions at equal speeds. The actual
direction of motion of X is due north but to an observer on Y, the apparent direction of motion
of X is north-east. The actual direction of motion of Y as observed from shore will be
(A) East (B) West (C) south-east (D) south-west.
(ii)
A horizontal force F is applied to a small object P of mass m at rest on a smooth plane
inclined at an angle to the horizontal as shown in fig The magnitude of the resultant force
acting up and along the surface of the plane, on the object is

Asad Hussain BS-IT

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F.Sc XI Solved Exercise CH-02

(a) F cos -mg sin (b) F sin -mg cos (c) F cos +mg cos (d) Fsin +mg sin (e)
mgtan .
A2.16 (i) The correct answer is (B) West.
The correct answer is (a) F cos - mg sin the resultant force acting Up and along the surface of
the plane is = F cos - mg sin .
Q2.17 If all the components of the vectors, A1 and A2 were reversed, how would this alter A1 x A2?
A2.17 For A1 = - A1& A2= - A2
-A1 x -A2 = A1 x A2 There will be no effect, if all the components of the vectors A1 & A2 are
reversed.
Q2.18 Name the three different conditions that could make A1 x A2 = 0.
A2.18 A1 x A2 could be zero, if
i) A1 is null vector; 0 x A2 = 0
ii) A2 is null vector; A1 x 0 = 0
iii) A1 x A2 are parallel or anti-parallel, i.e. A1 x A2 = A1 A2 sin = A1 A2 sin 180o = 0
Q2.19 Identify true or false statement and explain the reason.
(a)A body in equilibrium implies that it is neither moving nor rotating.
(b)If coplanar forces acting on a body from a closed polygon, then the body is said to be in
equilibrium.
A2.19 a) It is false. A body moving with constant velocity can also be in equilibrium.
b) It is true. The vector sum will be zero, for the coplanar forces forming a closed polygon, fulfils
the 1st condition of equilibrium.
Q2.20 A picture is suspended from a wall by two strings. Show by diagram the configuration of the
strings for which the tension in the strings will be minimum.
A2.20 For T minimum, = 90o
Fy = 0
Ty + Ty - w = 0
2 T sin = w
T = w / 2 sin
o
For minimum T, = 90 i.e. T = w / 2 sin 90o = w / 2.

2Ty - w = 0

Q2.21 Can a body rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of its weight?
A2.21 No. A body cannot rotate about its center of gravity under the action of its weight. Because
moment arm will be zero, so torque or turning effect will be zero.

Asad Hussain BS-IT

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