Which of the following does not describe the process of adding vectors by components?

• A. Break each vector into its horizontal and vertical components.
• B. Sum the horizontal components to find the resultant horizontal component.
• C. Add the magnitudes of the vectors directly.
• D. Sum the vertical components to find the resultant vertical component.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that vectors have both magnitude and direction, and adding them directly by magnitude ignores their directional properties.
2. Break each vector into its horizontal and vertical components. This involves using trigonometric functions like sine and cosine to resolve the vector into its components.
3. Sum the horizontal components of all vectors to find the resultant horizontal component. This is done by adding the x-components of each vector.
4. Sum the vertical components of all vectors to find the resultant vertical component. This involves adding the y-components of each vector.
5. Combine the resultant horizontal and vertical components to find the overall resultant vector using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry to determine its magnitude and direction.