The minimum number of vectors of equal magnitude needed to produce zero resultant is

Options

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. more than 4

Answer

To determine the minimum number of vectors of equal magnitude needed to produce a zero resultant, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of resultant vectors
A resultant vector is the vector sum of two or more vectors. For the resultant to be zero, the vectors must cancel each other out.

**Hint:** Remember that vectors can be represented in terms of their magnitude and direction.

### Step 2: Consider two vectors
Let's consider two vectors of equal magnitude. If these two vectors are acting in opposite directions (anti-parallel), they will cancel each other out.

**Hint:** Think about how forces work in opposite directions.

### Step 3: Calculate the resultant
If we have two vectors, each with a magnitude of 5 Newtons, and they are acting in opposite directions, the resultant can be calculated as follows:
- Resultant = Vector 1 + Vector 2
- Resultant = 5 N (in one direction) + (-5 N) (in the opposite direction) = 0 N

**Hint:** The direction of the vectors is crucial in determining the resultant.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since two vectors of equal magnitude acting in opposite directions produce a zero resultant, we conclude that the minimum number of vectors required to achieve this is **two**.

**Final Answer:** The minimum number of vectors of equal magnitude needed to produce a zero resultant is **2**.

---