Vectors and Scalars

The Component Method

What is the Component Method?

• Graphical method is efficient for co-linear vectors and vector

problems with two vectors only.

• If there are more than two vectors, it is easier and more

efficient to use the component method.

• The Component Method resolves each vector into its x-

component and y-component.

• The resultant is then calculated through the addition of these

components.
Combination and resolution of vectors
Suppose we have a ball moving simultaneously in the x
and the y-direction along the diagonal as shown:

NOTE: The green balls are just the shadow of

the red ball on each axis. Watch the animation
repeatedly and observe how the shadows also
have velocities.
y/m

x/m
Combination and resolution of vectors
• We can measure each side directly on our scale:
• Note that the 9 m side can be moved to the right to
complete the vector addition and create a right
triangle.
y/m

25 m
9m

23.3 m
x/m
Combination and resolution of vectors
• Consider a generalized vector A as shown below.
• We can break the vector A down into its horizontal (or
x-component Ax ) and its vertical (or y-component Ay)
• We can also sketch in an angle between the horizontal
and vector A.
In physics and most sciences
component we use the Greek letter 
vertical

(theta) to represent an angle.

A
Ay

Ay

 From Pythagorean Theorem we

have: Ax2 + Ay2 = A2 .
Ax
horizontal
component
 Example 1
A student walks 45 m on a staircase that rises at an angle 36°
with respect to the horizontal (the x-axis). Find the x- and y-
components of his journey.

SOLUTION: A diagram helps! 5 m

4
A=

Ay

Ay
Ax = A cos 
= 45 cos 36°  = 36°
= 36 m Ax
Ay = A sin  Note: To resolve a vector means
= 45 sin 36° to break it down into its x- and y-
= 26 m components.
Example 2

Determine the resultant of the following vectors using the

component method:

∘
𝑎⃑⃑ =12km[ 𝑁 30 ∘𝑊 ]
𝑏=23 km[𝑊 3 0 𝑆]
𝑐 =30 km[ 𝐸 4 5 ∘ 𝑁 ]
⃑
 Additional Problem

• Find the resultant of the following vectors: