University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 1 - Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 27: Q1.12

Answer

See work.

Work Step by Step

It is not possible. For 2 vectors to sum to zero, they must have the same magnitude, and be oppositely directed. For three vectors to sum to zero, they must form a triangle when added together, or form a straight line (which can be considered as a degenerate triangle). By the triangle inequality theorem, the length of any one vector must be less than or equal to the sum of the lengths of the other two vectors.
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