Question

Can a vector have zero magnitudes if one of its components is nonzero? Explain.

Short answer

It is not possible to have a vector of zero magnitude when one of its components is non-zero.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

A vector of zero magnitude is nothing but zero vector. If a vector $\overrightarrow{R}$is inclined by an angle $\theta$ with respect to x-axis then x-component of is $R\cos \theta$ and its y- component is$R\sin \theta$ .

Step 2. Explanation

If vector $\overrightarrow{R}$ is a zero vector, then its magnitude R = 0 . It means that both of its components $R\cos \theta$ and$R\sin \theta$ terms should be equal to zero.