What is the name for a vector that represents the sum of two vectors?

A vector that represents the sum of two vectors is known as the resultant vector. The resultant is created by adding the individual components of the original vectors, taking into account both their magnitudes and directions. This process often involves vector addition methods such as the head-to-tail method or using trigonometric functions when vectors are at angles to each other.

The resultant provides a single vector that defines the overall effect of the two vectors combined. This concept is crucial in physics and engineering, as it allows for simplification of multiple forces or movements into a single, more manageable representation.

The other terms mentioned refer to different aspects of vector analysis. The term "component" generally describes the individual parts of a vector, particularly when resolved into orthogonal directions. "Magnitude" refers specifically to the length or size of a vector, while "direction" pertains to the orientation of a vector in space. None of these terms encapsulate the idea of summing two vectors into one unified vector, which is precisely what the resultant does.