Question

The velocity vector V1 has a magnitude of 3.0 m/s and is directed along the +x-axis. The velocity vector V2 has a magnitude of 2.0 m/s. The sum of the two is V3, so that V3 = V1+V2

True False

The magnitude of V3 can be -3.0 m/s
The x-component of V3 can be 2.0 m/s
The magnitude of V3 can be 0.0
The magnitude of V3 can be 5.0 m/s
The magnitude of V3 can be 6.0 m/s
The magnitude of V3 can be 1.0 m/s

Answer 1

What are your choices?

Answer 2

you have to choose true or false for each one.

Answer 3

On paper, draw the vector V1 (3 units to the right of origin).
From the end of vector V1, at (3,0), draw a circle of radius 2 to represent vector V2. Any point inside the circle can be the resultant of V3=V1+V2

Draw a radius, centred at the origin, of the given magnitude in each case.
If the second circle intersects or is tangential to the first, the given magnitude of V3 is possible (true). If not, it is not possible.

It is a little more work, but this will give you the insight as to how vector addition works.

The first question of magnitude -3 is a trick question, because the magnitude (length) of a vector cannot be negative.