Under what condition will the direction of sum and difference of two vectors be the same?
Answer
301.2k+ views
Hint: We use vector addition and subtraction to solve this problem. Since the problem is asking us to find the conditions for the same direction and not magnitude, we do not use the formula for vector resultant.
Complete step by step answer:
Let us consider two vectors of different magnitudes acting in the same direction.

Let us name the first vector as $\vec A$ and the second vectors as $\vec B$
Sum of these vectors will be $\vec A + \vec B$
The direction will be the same as that of both vectors.

Now, the difference between both these vectors is, $\vec A - \vec B$,

The direction will still be the same as that of the sum of both the vectors. This is because the vector $\vec A$ is greater than $\vec B$. If the vector $\vec B$ was greater then the direction would be the opposite.
If both the vectors were of equal magnitude then the difference in these vectors would give a null vector which has no direction, so the directions of the sum vector and difference vector will be different.
Hence the direction of sum and difference of two vectors will remain the same as long as the two vectors are of different magnitude, acting in the same direction. And the difference should be taken such that the vector with less magnitude should be subtracted from the vector with greater magnitude.
Also, the two vectors shouldn’t be null because null vectors don’t have a direction.
Note: The question asks about the direction of the vectors only. One might get confused with the question if read in a hurry, mistaking direction with magnitude. If the question asked was about magnitude then the resultant vector formula should be used. In this case that is not necessary.
Complete step by step answer:
Let us consider two vectors of different magnitudes acting in the same direction.

Let us name the first vector as $\vec A$ and the second vectors as $\vec B$
Sum of these vectors will be $\vec A + \vec B$
The direction will be the same as that of both vectors.

Now, the difference between both these vectors is, $\vec A - \vec B$,

The direction will still be the same as that of the sum of both the vectors. This is because the vector $\vec A$ is greater than $\vec B$. If the vector $\vec B$ was greater then the direction would be the opposite.
If both the vectors were of equal magnitude then the difference in these vectors would give a null vector which has no direction, so the directions of the sum vector and difference vector will be different.
Hence the direction of sum and difference of two vectors will remain the same as long as the two vectors are of different magnitude, acting in the same direction. And the difference should be taken such that the vector with less magnitude should be subtracted from the vector with greater magnitude.
Also, the two vectors shouldn’t be null because null vectors don’t have a direction.
Note: The question asks about the direction of the vectors only. One might get confused with the question if read in a hurry, mistaking direction with magnitude. If the question asked was about magnitude then the resultant vector formula should be used. In this case that is not necessary.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

