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STEM General Physics 1

Quarter 1 – Module 4
VECTOR COMPONENT

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General Physics 1 – Senior High School
Quarter 1 – Module 4: VECTOR COMPONENTS

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Lalaine L. Jarical

Editors: Benjie L. Cadag

Voltaire G. Furio
Alex Barrameda
Edgardo J. Bungcag

Reviewers: Benjie L. Cadag

Voltaire G. Furio
Alex Barrameda
Edgardo J. Bungcag

Language Editor: Ronnalyn N. Jalmasco

Layout Artist: Ma. Rachel B. Espino, Antonio L. Morada

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 Most Essential Learning Competency

•
• Rewrite a vector in component form (STEM_GP12V- la-10)

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 Introduction

VECTOR COMPONENTS

In this module, you will learn about vector

components.
At the end of the module, you should be able to:

*draw the components of a given vector;

*identify the x and y component of a vector; and
*rewrite and calculate the magnitude of the vector
components.

So, let’s ride, read, enjoy, and discover

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 Before we start our lesson,
try to answer these
five (5) questions below.

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Use a separate sheet for your
answer.

1. Which of the following shows the correct illustration of x-vector component and y-
vector component of a car with vector r displacement?

r
r x r y r y x

A. y B. x C. x D. y

2. If a bicycle has travelled a distance of 8km south from the garage. Find the
components of the car’s displacement.
A. dx = 0km; dy = 8km south C. dx = 8km east; dy = 0km
B. dx = 8km east; dy = 8km south D. dx = 0km; dy = 0km

3. A force of 80N is applied by a janitor on the handle of a mop hold 40⁰ with the floor.
How much force is pushing the mop across the floor?
A. 51 N B. 67 N C. 80 N D. 61 N

4. If you are to draw the components of a vector in question number 3, which of the
following shows the correct illustration of x-vector component and y-vector
component?
F=80N Fx F=80N
Fy
A A F=80N
Fx 40⁰ Fy
Fy 40⁰ 40⁰ 40⁰ A
Fx Fy Fx
F=80N
A. B. C. D.
A
5. A car moves 3m east and then turns 4m west. What is its resultant displacement?
A. 7 m east B. 7 m west C. 1 m east D. 1 m west

Do you think you were able to get all the correct answer? It’s okay if
you’re not yet sure with your answers. You may check your answers at the
answer key section. Don’t worry if you got a low score, it only means that you
will learn more from this module. So come on and let us start our adventure!
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 Learning Activities
Learning Activities
E L I C I T!
Before we start our lesson for this module, let’s review
first vector addition by answering the practical problem below.
Do not forget to show vector addition and draw resultant vector
with dotted line and arrow head.

Suppose you walked 10 meter east and 25 meters north. Then decided to
walk another 10 meters west. What is your total distance and your displacement?

10 meters East 10 meters West

25 meters North

Where you able to get the correct answer? If yes let

us now move to the next activity. In this activity you
are about to sail your ship and find out your speed if
you travel in two different route. If you are ready you
may go to the next page.

E N G A G E!
Your ship sailed West from Baybay as the starting position to Camotes at a
speed of 4konts (kn) and sailed again South going to Talibon at a speed of
5knots(kn). Find the resultant speed if your ship sailed directly travelled from
Baybay to Talibon.

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 CAMOTES

90o

How did you solve for the resultant speed? Did you use
Pythagorean Theorem? (You may look at the answer keys to
check if your answer is correct.)
Take note that in the given activity, you calculated for
resultant vector. How about if the given are resultant vectors and
you are asked to find the magnitude of each component? What
method will be used? The succeeding explanation will teach how.

In your past lesson in Trigonometry, you were familiar with the mnemonic SOC
CAH TOA. This mnemonic device is used to help us remember the three basic trig
ratios in solving missing sides and angles in a right triangle. You will use this mnemonic
in finding the components of vectors. It is defined as:

SOH: Sin(θ) = Opposite / Hypotenuse.

R y
CAH: Cos(θ) = Adjacent / Hypotenuse.
TOA: Tan (θ) = Opposite/ Adjacent

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 E XPLORE
Activity 1: Finding components of vector
It is very important to understand the concept of vector components. Let us study
the illustration below.
In the figure, an object moved along a straight line
from the starting position to its final destination.
1. The displacement of the car is shown by the vector
R. It may opt to move due west and then due north
for its final destination. The displacement vectors
x and y are the other paths to arrive at the same
y R
final destination. These two vectors, x and y are
x called x-vector component and y-vector
component of R, respectively.

It can be seen from the illustration that vector R can be determined using Pythagorean
Theorem. This can be expressed in the vector equation below.
R= x2 + y2
This means that when vectors x and y are added using the above formula, the result is
the resultant vector R.
Now let us find the x-vector component and y-vector component of the given situation
above. To find for the x-vector component and y-vector component we will use our prior
knowledge on trigonometric functions specifically the mnemonics known as SOH CAH TOA.
First, identify which side is the opposite side (y-component), adjacent side (x-
component) and hypotenuse side (resultant vector). In solving for the x-vector component use
CAH which is defined as cos Ø = adjacent side/ hypotenuse side and then derive the equation
for x-vector component.

Given: R=50.0m; Ø=23o

cos Ø = x-vector component (x)
resultant vector (R)

x - vector component = resultant vector (cos Ø)

x = R (cos Ø )
= 50m (cos 23⁰)
= 50m (0.921)
= 46.1m
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 Now, let us find for the y-vector component using SOH which is defined
as sin Ø =opposite side/ hypotenuse side and then derive the equation for y-vector
component.

sin Ø= y-vector component (y)

resultant vector (R)

y - vector component = resultant vector (sin Ø)

y= R (sin Ø )
= 50m (sin 23⁰)
= 50m (0.391)
= 19.6m
Therefore, the magnitude of x-vector component is equal to 46.1 m and the
magnitude of y–vector component is equal to 19.6m.

What will you do?

Sketch then calculate the x-vector component and y-vector
components of the following vectors. Show your complete solution
like the example given above.

N N
2. 3.
30m @ 45⁰ N of E 130 m/s

W 25⁰
E W E
N

S N S
4. 5. W E
W E
79⁰

77.4m/s2@ S of W S 12m @ 60⁰ S of E

S

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 Guide Questions:

1. How did you solve for the magnitude of x-component? ____________________

__________________________________________________________________
2. How did you solve for the magnitude of y-component? ____________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. If the boy exerts a force of 60N on the wagon at an angle of 20o as shown in the
figure, find the Fx and Fy. Did their sum equal to 60N? Show your complete
solution.

20o

Great job! You have completed the activity. You may

take your time to review and analyze your answers.

E XPLAIN
We determine the magnitude of vectors components by using scale
diagram and by using simple trigonometric functions. Measuring a diagram offers only
very limited accuracy and calculations with right angles work only when two vectors
are perpendicular. So we need a simple but general method for adding vectors. This
is called the method of components
To define what we mean by the components of a vector, we begin with a
Cartesian coordinate system of axes. We then draw the vector we’re considering with
its tail at O, the origin of the coordinate system. We can represent any vector lying in
the xy-plane as the sum of a vector parallel to the x-axis and a vector parallel to the y-
axis. These two vectors are labelled Ax and Ay in the figure, they are called the
components vector of vector, and their vector sum is equal to A. In symbols,
A = Ax + Ay
We can calculate the components of the vector A if we know its magnitude A

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and its direction. We’ll describe the direction of a
vector by its angle relative to some reference
direction. Equation 1 and equation 2 can be used to
calculate the components vector (Ax and Ay).
Some components may be positive and some
may be negative depending on how the vector is
oriented (that is what quadrant Ø lies in). You can
use this sign table as a check:

Equation 1 Equation 2
Quadrant I II III IV

Ax + _ _ +

Ay + + _ _

Now let’s see if you can calculate the components of the vector.

E LABORATE!
Now let us deepen our understanding about addition of vectors
using components.

A. Add the following vectors but first find the x-component and y-component of
each vector. Then draw the components of the given vectors and its resultant.

25 m
EXAMPLE 1 60⁰
12 m
50.4⁰
+ 30⁰

60
=
60 60
60
60
Ax = 12.5m Bx = 10.44 m 60 Rx = 22.94 m
Ay = 21.75m By = 6.0 m Ry = 27.75 m

R has a magnitude 36.0 m and is at an angle of 50.4⁰ above the positive x-axis.

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First find the x and y components of A and B

Ax = A (cos Ø ) Ay= A (sin Ø )

= 25m (cos 60⁰) = 25m (sin 60⁰)
= 25m (0.5) = 25m (0.87)
= 12.5m = 21.75m
Bx = B (cos Ø ) By = B (cos Ø )

= 12m (cos 30⁰) = 12m (sin 30⁰)

= 12m (0..87) = 12m (0.50)

= 10.44m = 6.0 m

Now add them to find the x and y components of R.

Rx = Ax + Bx Ry = Ay + By
= 12.5m + 10.44m = 21.75m + 6.0 m
Rx = 22.94 m Ry = 27.75m

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of R.

R = √ (22.94m)2 + (27.75)2
=√ 526.24 m2 + 770.06m2
= 36.00m
Now use tan to find the measure of R above the x-axis.
𝑅𝑦
tan Ø = ⁄𝑅𝑥 = 27.75𝑚⁄22.94𝑚 = 1.21
tan -1 (1.21) = 50.4⁰
Thus, R has a magnitude 36.0 m and is at an angle of 50.4⁰ above the positive x-axis.

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 1.

12m/s 12m/s

70⁰
+ =

Ax = Bx = Rx =
Ay = By = Ry =

R has a magnitude _________________________________________________.

2.
30m 130m
25⁰
45⁰
+ =

Ax = Bx = Rx =
Ay = By = Ry =

R has a magnitude _________________________________________________.

3.

+ 124⁰ =
18m

3m

Ax = Bx = Rx =
Ay = By = Ry =

R has a magnitude _________________________________________________.

Great job! You have completed the activity. Take time to

review and analyze your answers.

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 E XTEND!
Now let us deep our understanding by answering the
following real problems

A. Solve the following problem. Show your illustration and complete solution.

1. A car weighing 12000 N is parked

on a driveway that is at a 15⁰ angel
with the horizontal. Find the
components of a car’s weight
parallel and perpendicular to the
driveway.

2. A woman on the ground sees an

airplane flying at an angle of 35⁰
above the horizontal. She gets into
the car and by driving at 70km/h is
able to stay directly below the
airplane. What is the airplane’s
speed?

3. The sailboat is headed due north at

a forward speed of 6. 0knot.The
pressure of the wind on its sails
causes the boat to move sideways
to the east at 0.5knot. A tidal
current is flowing to the southwest
at 3.0knot. What is the velocity of
sailboat relative to the earth’s
surface?

Great job! You have completed your task. If

you need some clarifications feel free to ask your
teacher.

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 Post-Test

E VALUATE!
1. Which of the following shows the correct illustration of a vector addition by
components
I. II. III . A. I only
B. II only

C. I and III only

D. I and II only

2. A delivery truck is driven 30 km 45° south of west. What is the x and y

components of the truck displacement?
A. dx = -21.2 km or 21.2 km west; dy = -21.2km or 21.2km south
B. dx = 21.2 km or 21.2 km east; dy = 21.2km or 21.2km north
C. dx = 21.2 km or 21.2 km east; dy = -21.2km or 21.2km south
D. dx = -21.2 km or 21.2 km west; dy = 21.2km or 21.2km north

3. An escalator has a velocity of 3.0m/s at an angle of 60⁰ above the horizon.

Find the y-component of its velocity.
a. 1.5 m/s b. 1.8m/s c. 2.6 m/s d. 3.5m/s

4-5. Use the given the illustration of two vectors below in answering question
number 4 and 5.
.
4. If the car travels 18km North and 12km at angle
of 20⁰ north of east, find the x and y components of
its displacement.
A. dx = 16.9km; dy= 4.1km
B. dx = 4.1km; dy= 16.9km
C. dx = 21.1km; dy=11.28km
d. dx = 11.28km; dy= 22.1km

5. What is the magnitude of its displacement and its angle above the positive
x-axis?
a. 24.8km; 63⁰ north of east c. 24.8km; 27⁰ north of east
b. 21.2 km; 63⁰ north of east d. 21.2 km; 27⁰ north of east

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 Vocabulary List

The following terms used in tis module are defined as follows:

x-component vector is the projection of the vector on the x-axis

y-component vector is the projection of the vector on the y-axis
Component method is a more convenient and accurate way of adding vectors. In
this method the x-component and y-components of each vector are determined.

Answer Keys

Pre-Test Answer Keys

1. C
2. A
3. D
4. B
5. C
Learning Activities Answer Keys

ENGAGE
5km R2 = ( 5km)2 + (4km)2

= 25km2 + 16km2

4km R R= √ 41km2

= 6.4km

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 EXPLORE

4. Ax = A (cos Ø ) Ay = A (sin Ø )
= 77.4m/s2 (cos 79⁰) = 77.4m/s2 (sin 79⁰)
= 77.4m/s2 (0.191) = 77.4m/s2 (0.982)
= 14.8m/s2 = 76.0 m/s2

5. Ax = A (cos Ø ) Ay = A (sin Ø )
= 12.0m (cos 60⁰) = 12.0m (sin 60⁰)
= 12.0m (0.5) = 12.0m (0.866)
= 6.0m = 10.39m

ELABORATE
1.
Ax = 12m/s Ay = 0m/s Bx = B (cos Ø ) By = B (cos Ø )
= 12m/s (cos 70⁰) = 12m/s (sin 70⁰)
= 12m/s (0.34) = 12m/s (0.94)
= 4.1m/s = 11.28 m/s

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Rx = Ax + Bx Ry = Ay + By
= 12m/s + 4.1m/s = 0m/s + 11.28 m/s
Rx = 16.1 m/s Ry = 11.28m/s

R = √ (16.1 m/s)2 + (11.28m/s)2

=√ 257.2 m/s2 + 127.2m/s2
R = 366.4m/s

𝑅𝑦⁄ 11.28𝑚/𝑠
tan Ø = 𝑅𝑥 = ⁄16.1𝑚/𝑠 = 0.7
-1
tan (0.7) = 35⁰ North of East

2.
Ax = A (cos Ø ) Ay= A (sin Ø ) Bx = B (cos Ø ) By = B (cos Ø )
= 30m (cos 45⁰) = 30m (sin 45⁰) = 130m (cos 25⁰) = 130m (sin 25⁰)
= 30m (0.71) = 30m (0.71) = 130m (0.91) = 130m (0.42)
= 21.3m = 21.3 m = 118m = 54.6 m

Rx = Ax + Bx Ry = Ay + By
= 21.m + 118m = 21.3m + 54.6m
Rx = 139 m Ry = 75.9m

R = √ (139 m)2 + (75.9m)2

R = 158.4m

𝑅𝑦
tan Ø = ⁄𝑅𝑥 = 75.9𝑚⁄139𝑚 = 0.55
tan -1 (0.55) = 29⁰ North of East

3.
Ax = 0 Ay= -3m Bx = B (cos Ø ) By = B (cos Ø )
= 18m (cos 124⁰) = 18m (sin 124⁰)
= 18m (-0.6) = 18m (0.83)
Rx = Ax + Bx = R-10.8m
y = Ay + By = 14.9 m
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 = 0m + (-10.8m) = -3m + 14.9m
Rx = -10.8 m Ry = 11.9m

R = √ (-10.8 m)2 + (11.9m)2

R = 16.1m

𝑅𝑦
tan Ø = ⁄𝑅𝑥 = 11.9𝑚⁄−10.8𝑚 = -1.1
tan -1 (-1.1) = - 48⁰ or 48⁰ North of West

EXTEND

1. Fx = F (cos Ø ) Fy = F (sin Ø )
= 12000N (cos 15⁰) = 12000N (sin 15⁰)
= 12000N (0.966) = 12000N (0.259)
= 11,592N = 3,108N

2. Vx = V (sin Ø )
70 km/h = V (cos 35⁰)
V = 70 km/h
(0.819)
V = 85.47 km/h

4. Ax=0 Ay = 6.0kn
Bx= 0.5kn By = 0kn
Cx= 3kn (cos 225) Cy= 3kn (sin 225)
= 3kn (-0.71) = 3kn (-0.71)
= -2.13kn = -2.13kn

Rx = 0kn + 0.5kn + (-2.13kn) Ry= 6kn + 0kn + (-2.13kn)

= -1.6kn = 3.9kn

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R= √ (-1.6kn)2 + (3.9kn)2
= 4.2 kn is the magnitude of the resultant velocity
tanØ = 3.9kn / -1.6kn = -2.4
tan -1 (-2.4) = - 67⁰ or 67 North of West

B= 0.5kn East

C= 3kn southwest

A= 6kn North

Post-Test Answer Key

1. D
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. A

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 References

http://www.linfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/VectorAdditionWorksheet.pdf

https://physics.info/vector-addition/worksheet-addition.pdf

https://lhsblogs.typepad.com/files/wkst-vector_addition-change.pdf

https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_navigation_lesson02_activity1

https://www.123rf.com/photo_94496137_stock-vector-airplane-taking-off-icon-vector-
illustration-design-.html

Braking Vehicle. http://physicstasks.eu/1984/braking-vehicle

https://lhsblogs.typepad.com/files/wkst-vector_addition-change.pdf

Beiser, Arthur. Modern Technical Physics. 6th Edition.1992. Echanis Press Inc. 760
BoniAve., Mandaluong City

Caintic, Helen E. 2017. General Physics 1 for Senior High School. First Edition. C & E
Publishing, Inc.

Young, Hugh D. and Freedman, Roger A. Universoty Physics wih Modern Physics11th
Edition. 2004. Pearson EducationInc., Addision Wesley, 1301Sansome St., San
Francisco CA 9411

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