2D Motion - Vectors and Trig Review

Front

What is the definition of a vector?

Back

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Front

What is the Pythagorean Theorem used for in vector addition?

Back

The Pythagorean Theorem is used to find the resultant vector when two vectors are at right angles to each other.

Front

What is the resultant of two vectors?

Back

The resultant of two or more vectors is the vector sum of those vectors.

Front

How do you determine the direction of a vector?

Back

The direction of a vector is typically expressed in degrees relative to a reference direction, such as north or east.

Front

What trigonometric function is used to find an angle when given the opposite and adjacent sides?

Back

The function used is tan^-1 (inverse tangent).

Front

What is the sine function used for in relation to vectors?

Back

The sine function relates the angle of a vector to the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.

Front

What is the cosine function used for in relation to vectors?

Back

The cosine function relates the angle of a vector to the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.

Front

If a plane is traveling north and is affected by a crosswind, how can the pilot adjust their heading?

Back

The pilot must adjust their heading by calculating the angle to counteract the wind's effect.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the magnitude of the resultant vector from two perpendicular vectors?

Back

Magnitude = √(A² + B²), where A and B are the magnitudes of the two vectors.

Front

What does it mean for vectors to be at right angles to each other?

Back

Vectors at right angles are perpendicular, meaning they intersect at a 90-degree angle.