Addition of Vectors using the X and Y components

Addition of vectors

1. Components of Motion To analyze motion, a vector can be broken down into x- and y- components. 5 units Ө = 53° y x x- component y- component v x = a cos Ө v y = a sin Ө

2. Example: Find the components of v if its magnitude is 5 units and Ө = 53°. v x = a cos Ө = 5 cos 53° = 3 units v y = a sin Ө = 5 sin 53° = 4 units

3. Example: Find the resultant velocity of the sum of v 1 = 35 m/s 30° N of E, and v 2 = 55 m/s 45° N of W. Tail to tip method