Grade 11 · Theory
Components of vectors
Vectors in two dimensions · about 3 min
Visual overview: Components of vectors1 MIN READ
2 study sections · pause after each one and recall the key ideaAny vector can be split into perpendicular components, which turns two-dimensional problems into two one-dimensional ones.
Key points- Horizontal component: Fx = F·cos θ. Vertical component: Fy = F·sin θ.
- Add all x-components and all y-components separately.
- Recombine with Pythagoras and tan θ for the resultant.
- Components are especially useful on inclines, where axes are tilted along the slope.
- Component — the effective part of a vector along an axis.
EXAM TIP
measure θ from the axis you are resolving toward — mixing up sin and cos is the classic slip here.