The two rules of adding two vectors are defined and are correct because that is what we observe in nature?
Or are they a consequence of something else?
If I remember correctly, I think I read somewhere that Newton used the parallelogram rule because this is what he observed to happen in nature.
When adding two vectors at right angles with each other, I can see why the direction of the resultant is that way.
But its magnitude being that way, is not that obvious. I mean, yes, you apply Pythagora's theorem and see what you see. But is not that obvious to me.
Or are they a consequence of something else?
If I remember correctly, I think I read somewhere that Newton used the parallelogram rule because this is what he observed to happen in nature.
When adding two vectors at right angles with each other, I can see why the direction of the resultant is that way.
But its magnitude being that way, is not that obvious. I mean, yes, you apply Pythagora's theorem and see what you see. But is not that obvious to me.