Resolving a Vector Into Perpendicular Components (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

Breaking a vector into component vectors

Finding resultant using parallelogram law

90° (right angles)

$x = r \cos θ$

$y = r \sin θ$

Cosine = Adjacent / Hypotenuse

Sine = Opposite / Hypotenuse

$r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}$

$θ = \tan^{-1}(\frac{y}{x})$

Projectile motion

Forces on inclined planes

Yes, they are independent

Components are smaller than (or equal to) original