UNIT OVERVIEW

In this unit, you will learn to work with vectors in two dimensions. You already know that vectors have both magnitude (size) and direction. Now you will learn to combine vectors, break them into parts, and use these skills to solve real physics problems.

What you will learn:

• Find the resultant of two perpendicular vectors using Pythagoras
• Break any vector into horizontal and vertical components
• Add vectors graphically using tail-to-head and tail-to-tail methods
• Add vectors algebraically using the component method
• Apply vector techniques to force and displacement problems
• Draw and interpret vector diagrams

Why this matters:

When a rugby player kicks a ball, the velocity has both horizontal and vertical parts. When a pilot flies with a crosswind, they must account for forces in different directions. Engineers calculating forces on bridges must work with forces at angles. Vector skills are essential for understanding motion and forces in the real world.

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