1.1 Physical Quantities and Measurement Techniques

Vector Addition & Components Lab

Drag vector arrows on a Cartesian coordinate grid to set their magnitude and direction. Resolve vectors into horizontal and vertical components, and construct resultant additions.

Virtual Viewport
Fx = 42.4 NFy = 42.4 NF = 60 N

Active Sliders

FForce Magnitude60N
0100

Total vector force strength.

θVector Angle45°
0360

Direction of force relative to horizontal axis.

Syllabus Objectives

  • Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
  • Determine the resultant of two or more vectors
  • Resolve a vector into perpendicular components (Fx = F cos θ, Fy = F sin θ).

Mathematical Equations

Horizontal Component
Fx = F cos(θ)
Vertical Component
Fy = F sin(θ)
Resultant Magnitude
R = √Fx² + Fy²

Inquiry Guide Sheet

1

Set Force to 50N and Angle to 30°. Record the Fx and Fy values.

2

Calculate F cos(30°) and F sin(30°) on paper. Compare to the live simulation values.

3

Vary the angle to 90°, 180°, and 270°. Observe what happens to the sign of components.