Resolving a Vector into its Components

The Vector Resolution Video Tutorial describes the process of determine the components of a vector if given its magnitude and direction. Both the graphical (parallelogram) method and the trigonometric method of determining the components of a vector are demonstrated through several demonstrations and examples.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. How can the graphical method be used to determine the components of a vector?
2. How can the trigonometric method be used to determine the components of a vector?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Calculator Pad, Vectors and Projectiles, Questions #2-#4
When you're looking for practice using mathematical equations to solve Physics problems, use the Calculator Pad. You will find problems on a variety of topics with answers and audio-guided solutions. Each set of problems has a page with information about the mathematics. For help with the trigonometric method of vector resolution, try problems 2-4 on the Vectors and Projectiles problem set.

Minds On Physics, Part 1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP5
For those wishing for a rigorous, no-nonsense Physics workout, Minds On Physics is the app for you. Users are delivered a collection of challenging questions that target their understanding of a single concept; answers are evaluated, feedback is immediate, and each question includes a link to several screens of question-specific information. Mission VP5 is on the topic of vector components.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions, Vector Resolution
The Tutorial section of our website has a long-standing reputation for presenting Physics concepts in an easy-to-understand language. When you need a quick reference, it's the go-to place.

Teacher Resources

Teacher Toolkits: Vectors
Planning a unit or a series of lessons on Vectors? We can help. Try a Toolkit - a collection of vetted resources that are multi-media reliant and standards-based. This one on Vectors should stimulate several good ideas.

Curriculum Corner: Vectors and Projectiles
Our Curriculum Corner consists of a large collection of Think Sheets on variety of topics. They provide a systematic and developmental approach to the concepts of Physics. The following one will be of particular interest when teaching about vector components:
Vector Components, Vector Resolution, and Vector Addition

Minds On Physics, Part 1, Vectors and Projectiles Module, Mission VP5
Our Minds On Physics apps provide students a rigorous, no-nonsense Physics workout, Students are delivered a collection of challenging questions that target their understanding of a single concept; answers are evaluated, feedback is immediate, and each question includes a link to several screens of question-specific information. And for teachers, an entire program is avaialble that allows for the tracking of students' completion of assigned missions. Mission VP5 is on the topic of vector components and vector resolution.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions, Vector Resolution
The Tutorial section of our website has a long-standing reputation for presenting Physics concepts in an easy-to-understand language. When students (or teachers) need a quick reference, it's the go-to place.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.