Vectors in Two Dimensions (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

Quantity with both magnitude and direction

Scalar: magnitude only. Vector: magnitude + direction

Resultant vector

Head-to-tail method

$\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$

$\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}$

Newton (N)

Replaces component vectors with same physical effect

Equal magnitude, opposite direction

Both give exactly the same result

Can point in any direction within a plane

When two vectors are perpendicular (at 90°)