Two vectors have magnitudes V1 = 1.5 km and V2 = 4.5 km. What are the maximum and minimum magnitudes of their vector sum?
To find the maximum and minimum magnitudes of the vector sum, we need to consider the possible directions of the given vectors.
The maximum magnitude of the vector sum occurs when the two vectors are in the same direction, while the minimum magnitude occurs when they are in opposite directions.
To find the maximum magnitude of the vector sum, we add the magnitudes of the vectors:
Maximum magnitude = V1 + V2 = 1.5 km + 4.5 km = 6 km.
To find the minimum magnitude of the vector sum, we subtract the magnitudes of the vectors:
Minimum magnitude = |V1 - V2| = |1.5 km - 4.5 km| = |-3 km| = 3 km.
Therefore, the maximum magnitude of their vector sum is 6 km, while the minimum magnitude is 3 km.