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Vector Basics

A vector is defined by its length (magnitude) and direction, and can be resolved into components along perpendicular axes. The document explains how to convert between magnitude and direction to components, and vice versa, as well as how to add and subtract vectors using the triangle rule and component addition. An example involving James walking in different directions illustrates the application of these concepts.

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muazko
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14 views2 pages

Vector Basics

A vector is defined by its length (magnitude) and direction, and can be resolved into components along perpendicular axes. The document explains how to convert between magnitude and direction to components, and vice versa, as well as how to add and subtract vectors using the triangle rule and component addition. An example involving James walking in different directions illustrates the application of these concepts.

Uploaded by

muazko
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Vector Basics:

A vector is a line with a length and a direction.


N 30
o
We can move it around because it doesn’t matter where it starts.

The length of a vector is also called its magnitude.

Here vector A has magnitude A and direction


E 30 degrees East of North

We can resolve a vector into its components. Y‐axis

Components are the projections of a vector onto


perpendicular axes.

A X and A Y are the X‐ and Y‐components


AY
of A 
X‐axis
To switch from magnitude and direction to components: AX
Ax A cos  Ay A sin 

To switch from components to magnitude and direction:

Ay
A Ax Ay  tan
Ax

Multiplying A by a number S makes A S times as long. Here S = 3

Multiplying A by a negative number reverses its direction.


3
Use the “triangle rule” to add vectors:

To add vector B to vector A,


1. Move the start of B to the end of A (2)
2
2. Then A + B starts where A starts (1)
and ends where B ends (3). 1

3. To subtract B from A , reverse B and add.


OR

We can just add the components: (A+B)X

(A+B)X = A X + B X

BY
(A+B)Y

(A+B)Y = A Y + B Y

AY
AX BX

Question: James walks 15 m East, 20 m North, and then along vector C


to get back to where he started.

a) How far does James walk along C?  N

b) In which direction does James walk back?


W E
(i.e., find 

S
Answer: a) 25 m b) 53.13 degrees South of West.

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