State and prove parallelogram law of vector addition.
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Solution
- Parallelogram law of vector addition states that
if two vectors are considered to be the adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the resultant of the two vectors is given by the vector that is diagonal passing through the point of contact of two vectors.
Proof:
Let →A and →B are the two vectors be represented by two lines →OP and →OQ drawn from the same point. Let us complete the parallelogram and name it as OPTQ. Let the diagonal be →OT.
Since →PT is equal and parallel to →OQ, therefore, vector →B can also be represented by →PT.
Applying the triangle's law of vector to triangle OPT.