Question

The diagram shows components that have been added together to form Rx and Ry. Rx and Ry are the components of the resultant vector.

Three vectors drawn on the x y plane. The first vector is drawn in the positive x direction along the x axis and labeled R Subscript x Baseline. The second is drawn tail to tip method north and labeled R Subscript y Baseline. The last is drawn from the tail of the first to the head of the second and labeled R. The angle between R and R Subscript x Baseline is labeled theta.

Which formula can be used to find the magnitude of the resultant vector?

R2 = Rx2 + Ry2
R = Rx + Ry
R = Rx(cosθ)
R = Rx(sinθ)

Answer 1

R^2 = Rx^2 + Ry^2

(or equivalently R = sqrt(Rx^2 + Ry^2)), since Rx and Ry are perpendicular components and form a right triangle.