Scribd
Upload
69 views11 pages

Vector Diagram - IGCSE Physics Revision Notes

Uploaded by

tinotendahela1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views11 pages

Vector Diagram - IGCSE Physics Revision Notes

Uploaded by

tinotendahela1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

Calculations with vectors

Extended tier only


Vectors can be drawn using vector diagrams

Vector diagrams
Vectors are represented by an arrow
The length of the arrow represents the magnitude
The direction of the arrow indicates the direction
the scale of the arrows should be proportional to the
relative magnitudes of the forces
an arrow for a 4 N force should be twice as long as
an arrow for a 2 N force

Vector diagram of two forces acting on an


object

The length of the arrows are proportional to the magnitude


of the forces, and show the direction that forces act in
Calculating vectors graphically
Vector diagrams can be used to combine vectors
Vectors at right angles to one another can be combined
into one resultant vector
The resultant vector will have the combined effect of
the two original vectors
For example, a resultant force vector will have the
combined effect of two component forces
Component vectors are sometimes drawn with a dotted
line and a subscript indicating horizontal or vertical
A force , for example, may have two components:
is the vertical component of the force
is the horizontal component of force

To calculate vectors graphically means carefully


producing a scale drawing with all lengths and angles
correct
This should be done using a sharp pencil, ruler and
protractor
Follow these steps to carry out calculations with vectors
on graphs
1. Choose a scale which fits the page
For example, use 1 cm = 10 m or 1 cm = 1 N, so that the
diagram is around 10 cm high
2. Draw the vectors at right angles to one another
3. Complete the rectangle
4. Draw the resultant vector diagonally from the origin
5. Carefully measure the length of the resultant vector
6. Use the scale factor to calculate the magnitude
7. Use the protractor to measure the angle

Vectors can be measured or calculated graphically using


scaled vector diagrams
Combining vectors by calculation
In this method, a vector diagram is still essential but it
does not need to be exactly to scale
The vector diagram can take the form of a sketch, as long
as the resultant side, component sides are clearly labelled

Using a vector diagram to resolve two force vectors F1 and


F2 into a resultant force vector FR
When the magnitude of only one vector is known, and the
angle is known, then trigonometry can be used to find the
magnitude of the missing vector
The mnemonic 'soh-cah-toa' can used to remember
the trigonometric functions
Trigonometry can be used when the magnitude of one
vector and the angle is known
When the magnitudes of two of the vectors are known,
then Pythagoras' theorem can be used to find the
magnitude of the missing vector

Pythagoras's theorem can be used when the magnitudes of


two of the three vectors are known
Worked Example
A force acts on an object with 60 N to the right. A second
force of 100 N acts on the same object in the upward
direction.
Calculate the resultant force acting on the object.
Answer:
Step 1: Draw a vector diagram

Step 2: Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force using


Pythagoras' theorem

Step 3: Calculate the direction of the resultant vector using


trigonometry
Step 4: State the final answer, complete with magnitude
and direction

Examiner Tips and Tricks


If the question specifically asks you to use the calculation or
graphical method, you must solve the problem as asked.
However, if the choice is left up to you then any correct
method will lead to the correct answer.
The graphical method sometimes feels easier than
calculating, but once you are confident with trigonometry and
Pythagoras you will find calculating quicker and more
accurate.

Did this video help you? Yes No

You've read 1 of your 5 free revision


notes this week
Sign up now. It’s free!
Join the 100,000+ Students that
Save My Exams
❤️
the (exam) results speak for themselves:
I would just like to say a massive This website is soo
thank you for putting together such ever thank you eno
a brilliant, easy to use website. I questions by topic
really think using this site helped Furthermore, the n
me secure my top grades in could not have be
science and maths. You really did as it literally did S
save my exams! Thank you.

Beth Fathima
IGSCE Student A Level Student

Join now for free

Test yourself Flashcards

Did this page help you? Yes No

Previous Next

1. Motion, Forces & Energy


9 Topics · 40 Revision Notes

Topic 1
Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques
Measurement

Scalars & Vectors

Calculating with Vectors

Topic 2
Motion

Topic 3
Mass, Weight & Density

Topic 4
Effects of Forces

Topic 5
Moments

Topic 6
Momentum

Topic 7
Energy, Work & Power

Topic 8
Energy Sources

Topic 9
Pressure

2. Thermal Physics
3 Topics · 17 Revision Notes

3. Waves
4 Topics · 25 Revision Notes
4. Electricity & Magnetism
4 Topics · 31 Revision Notes

5. Nuclear Physics
2 Topics · 11 Revision Notes

6. Space Physics
2 Topics · 14 Revision Notes

Author Reviewer

Author: Leander Oates


Expertise: Physics
Leander graduated with First-class honours in
Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam
University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert
Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her
dedication to science and teaching excellence. After
teaching and tutoring both science and maths
students, Leander now brings this passion for helping
young people reach their potential to her work at
SME.

Resources Members
Home Log in
Learning Hub
Help and Support
Scholarship
Join
Past Papers
Solution Banks
Sitemap

Company Subjects
About us Biology
Content Quality Chemistry
Jobs Physics
Terms Maths
Privacy Geography
English Literature
Psychology
All Subjects

Missing a Subject or Exam Board? Tell us

© Copyright 2015-2025 Save My Exams Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


IBO was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, the resources created by Save My Exams.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy