Addition of Displacement Vectors

Concept Overview

The idea of vector representation of directed quantities (e.g. displacement) and their addition.

Lecturer Procedure

Steps to Follow	Expected Result
Tape the notebook paper in place beneath the projecting camera. Mark an “x” with the overhead marker.
Place the transparency over the notebook paper. Trace the 'x' onto the transparency with a different color.
Pull back the car so that the rear right wheel is on top of both ‘x’s.
Release the car, and, at the same time, shift the transparency in any direction. Stop the truck before it reaches the end of the paper. Place an 'x' on the paper beneath the rear right wheel of the car.
Connect the first x on the transparency to the one on the page by making an arrow. Do the same for the two x's on the paper.

Alternately, this can be done with large paper on the lecture bench as shown in the photo below:

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970 

“Do not belabor the points or distract attention from the chief purpose by trying to quantify the results.  For the same reason, draw all lines freehand.  The IDEA of vector representation of directed quantities (e.g., displacement) and their addition is what you are trying to convey.  Quantification should be reserved in most cases for recitation, tutoring, or laboratory.”

Demonstration Video

There is no sound for this recording