Three
One is obviously out. Two is out because if two unequal forces n and p act on an object the resultant with the minimum force in magnitude is |n - p|, which will never be 0 if n =/= p. Three can be easily resolved with a quick example. Imagine an object with three concurrent forces acting on it. Two forces, n = 3 N and p = 4 N, create an angle with each other such that the resultant is 5 N. 180 degrees from the resultant, a force, r = 5 N, is acting on the object. Thus three unequal vectors on an object can result in 0.
There is no minimum.
Two - if you add two vectors of equal magnitude but in opposite directions, the resultant vector is zero.
Two is the minimum number of vectors that will sum to zero.
In vector addition, the sum of two (or more) vectors will give a resultant vector. There are a number of sites that will help you with tutorials. A link to one can be found below.
Yes. Any number of vectors, two or more, can result in zero, if their magnitudes and directions are just right. One vector can result in zero only if its magnitude is zero.
The minimum number of vectors with unequal magnitudes whose vector sum can be zero is two. These vectors must have magnitudes and directions that cancel out when added together to result in a zero vector sum.
There is no minimum.
you'll need at least three. Think of them as being connected. To have a zero resultant, putting the vectors together head to tail should form a closed shape. The first vector can be in any direction. The second vector starts where the first ended, and extends in a different plane. The last vector starts from where the second ended and extends to the beginning of the first vector. The three end up making a triangle, which gives you a zero resultant
Two - if you add two vectors of equal magnitude but in opposite directions, the resultant vector is zero.
Two vectors can be added to result in a zero resultant if they are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Two is the minimum number of vectors that will sum to zero.
If none of the individual vectors has a magnitude of zero, thenthe minimum number that can combined to make zero is two.
In vector addition, the sum of two (or more) vectors will give a resultant vector. There are a number of sites that will help you with tutorials. A link to one can be found below.
3
Yes. Any number of vectors, two or more, can result in zero, if their magnitudes and directions are just right. One vector can result in zero only if its magnitude is zero.
Sure. For one example, if their magnitudes are equal and their directions are spaced 120 degrees apart, then they add to zero. There are an infinite number of other sets of magnitudes and directions that add to zero, i.e. have a zero resultant.
The answer given below (by myself) is wrong. The correct answer is four or more.It is possible to represent any set of vectors with a zero resultant as a closed straight-lined figure in 3-dimensional space (or in hyperspace with more dimensions).Any three points must make a triangle which is a plane shape, so the minimum number required for the vectors to be non coplanar is four. There is no maximum.All you need is a polygon, grab a couple of vertices and twist so that the shape is no longer planar.- - - - - - - - - -Three.ConsiderA = -i + 2jB = -2j + 3kandC = i -3kThenA is in the xy-planeB is in the yz-planeand C is in the xz-planeso they are non co-planar.Also|A| = sqrt(5)|B| = sqrt(13), and|C| = sqrt(10)so that A ≠B ≠C ≠ABut A + B + C = 0