How do you find the components of a vector?

Sometimes it is more useful for us to represent a vector in terms of other vectors added together. For example, we can split a vector into the vectors pointing in the direction of our axes, we call these seperate vectors our components. These components when added together will equal our original vector. To find our components, we use trigonometry. If we know the angle between our vector and the horizontal (or x) axis, we can use the cosine function to calculate the horizontal component. Similarly, our vertical component is found using the sine function.

AS
Answered by Andrew S. Physics tutor

1855 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A student has a mass of 80kg. How much would the student weigh on the surface of the Moon?


How does one calculate centripetal force?


Use the kinetic theory of gases to explain why the pressure inside a container increases when the temperature of the air inside it rises. Assume that the volume of the container remains constant.


Explain the forces involved in a pendulum set up.


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