How do I find the x and y components of a vector?

If you've been given the angle the vector makes with an axis, you can find the component of the vector parallel to that axis by multiplying the size of the vector by the cosine of the angle it makes with the axis. To find the component in the other direction you should multiply the size of the vector by the sine of the angle.(In a session I would use a diagram to show what the axes and size of the vector and everything were. I'd then get the student to do an example with me and then to do another, where they explain to me what they are doing, as this is a very important concept for physics so it requires a strong working knowledge.)

EE
Answered by Emma E. Physics tutor

1917 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A person stands on top of a cliff and throws a ball with a speed of 20 m/s at an angle of 10 degrees from above the horizontal into the sea. What is the height of the cliff to 1 decimal place?


How could I calculate the internal resistance of a cell?


A child is standing on a walkway that is moving at 2 metres per second and decides to turn around and walk back to the start at 2 metres per second. Explain why the child cannot reach the start of the walkway at this speed.


Why is gravitational potential energy negative?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning