How do you find the components of a vector?

Sometimes it is more useful for us to represent a vector in terms of other vectors added together. For example, we can split a vector into the vectors pointing in the direction of our axes, we call these seperate vectors our components. These components when added together will equal our original vector. To find our components, we use trigonometry. If we know the angle between our vector and the horizontal (or x) axis, we can use the cosine function to calculate the horizontal component. Similarly, our vertical component is found using the sine function.

AS

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

This is a question on the photoelectric effect: For potassium, the work function is 3.65E-19J. Find the maximum wavelength of light that will cause photoelectrons to be emitted when shone onto potassium.


What is resonance


2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


A ball is launched upwards at 30 degrees to horizontal with a velocity of 20 metres per second, how far does it travel before landing? (no air resistance)