IB DP Physics SL and HL

1.3
Resolution of Vectors
By Navam Pakianathan
Objectives

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 Components of a vector
 A vector can be made up of two or more
parts (Component vectors)

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 Components of a vector

C 5 m North East
(approx)
B 3 m North

A 4 m East

Here, vector C can be thought to be made up of vectors A and B 4

 Components of a vector
Conversely, any vector can be split up into two (Or more components).
We will consider the case where a vector is split into 2 perpendicular
components as shown below:

R Q

C 5m
B

30
O P
A
In the above diagram,
Vector C of magnitude 5 m can be split into perpendicular
components A and B. 5
 Components of a vector
R Q

C 5
B m

30
O P
A

If the angle between C and A is 30 then

Cos 30 = A/C
Thus A = C Cos 30 ------ (1)
Similarly,
Sin 30 = QP/C = B/C (Since B = QP)
Thus, B = C sin 30------ (2)

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 Components of a vector
R Q

C 5
B m

30
O P
A

Thus A = C Cos 30 ------ (1)

Thus, B = C sin 30------ (2)
Dividing (2) by (1),
Tan 30 = B/A
Also, squaring and adding (1) and (2),
A2 + B 2 = C 2

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 Components of a vector
R Q

C 5
B m

30
O P
A

In general, if a vector C makes an angle  with a

direction, then the component of C in that direction is
A = C cos  ------ (3)
The component in the perpendicular direction is
B = C sin  ------ (4)
Also,
Tan  = B/A
And
A2 + B2 = C2
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 How resolution of vectors is
important
 It helps us analyze a problem systematically.
 For e.g. block on an inclined plane:

Normal
reaction

Weight

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 How resolution of vectors is
important
 It helps us analyze a problem systematically.
 For e.g. block on an inclined plane:

Normal
reaction

W sin θ

θ W cos θ
Weight W

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Tim Kirk Pg 11 no 8

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Problems on Resolution of
vectors

See printed worksheet

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 Homework:

1. Complete the worksheet

1. Tsokos Pg 30: No14 – printed copies

given

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