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Vector Addition - Head to Tail Method:
The head-to-tail method of vector addition is one of several methods used to determine the resulting sum of two or more vectors. In this method, the first vector is drawn to scale in its indicated direction. The second vector is then drawn starting at the head (arrowhead) of the first vector; the second vector is drawn to scale in its indicated direction. The process is repeated, with each vector starting at the head (arrowhead) of the previous vector, until all vectors have been drawn. The resultant vector is then drawn from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector.
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Success at this question demands an understanding of the head-to-tail method of vector addition (see Know the Law section). Analyze each diagram to see if the vectors are added using the head-to-tail principle. Check to insure that the resultant is drawn in the indicated direction. Rule out any choices that either fail to follow the head-to-tail approach or represent the resultant improperly.
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