Vector is a concept with many uses. In this case we are interested in its meaning in the field of physics, which indicates that a vector is a quantity defined by its value, its direction, its direction and its point of application. Simultaneous, on the other hand, is that which concurs (that is, which is found or coincides with something else).
Vectors can be classified in different ways according to their characteristics. Vectors that cross the same point are called concurrent vectors. Due to the fact that passing through this point creates an angle, concurrent vectors are also called angular vectors.
Suppose two helicopters take off from the same point. One of the planes is heading east and the other is heading west. Both helicopters follow a route that can be represented by a vector; having the same point of application, they are concurrent vectors. Take the case of an architect designing a window in a room. In the plane, to represent the window, we take a rectangle with four vectors: A , B , C and D . According to the above, we can say that A and B , B and C , C and D , and D and A are concurrent vectors, since they intersect. However, A and C are not simultaneous vectors, and neither are B and D. One of the things that makes vectors so unique in physics is that they not only represent an isolated value, but combine a length with a value. orientation, which is why they are such versatile tools, with so many applications in different fields. As can be deduced from the previous paragraphs, vectors can be used in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces, and it is in the latter that we find them most often: the examples given above show one case in three dimensions (helicopters) and another in two. (window). Taking advantage of the aforementioned versatility of vectors and their different fields of application, let’s think of an example that complements the previous two. In this case, they will not represent the movement of a vehicle or a series of segments traced to find a suitable drawing: they will be two or more threads pulling an object from the same point. If we tie a rope around a heavy box and let its two ends come out of the knot, we can share its weight with another person, since each one can pull on one of the ropes. In this case, the concurrent vectors clearly show us the concept of vector addition, since although there are two different orientations and forces, the box will only move in one direction.
In the second image it can be seen that from the same starting point of the two competing vectors drawn in red, a third appears, concurrent to both, which indicates the direction in which two people pull the object tied to the rope. . to move. The formula to calculate the value of this new vector is also in the image: just add the corresponding components. To graphically represent the sum, the parallelogram method can be used: it consists of drawing two lines, each one parallel to one of the vectors and the other passing through the end, so that when they cross they intersect at a point that serves to close the line. line figure. This point will be the end of the new vector. In addition to concurrent vectors, other classes of vectors are unit vectors, collinear vectors, coplanar vectors, parallel vectors, and opposite vectors.
