What is a Vector Component?
The Vector Components Video Tutorial discusses the concept of a vector component, explaining both its physical and its mathematical meaning. Numerous illustrations and some animations demonstrate the meaning of a component of a vector.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What are vector components?
- How do you identify x- and the y-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
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 Components
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.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions, Vector Components
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.