Unit 4- Geometric

Vectors
Lesson Package
MCV4U
 Unit 4 Outline
Unit Goal: By the end of this unit, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of vectors in two-space
by representing them geometrically and by recognizing their applications.

Curriculum
Section Subject Learning Goals
Expectations

- use Newton’s Quotient to calculate instantaneous rates of change

L1 Intro to Vectors C1.1, C1.2
- determine derivatives of polynomial functions
L2 Vector Addition - find the derivative of a product of functions using the product rule C2.1, C2.2

L3 Vector Multiplication - make connections between the concept of motion and derivatives C2.1, C2.2
- find the derivative of a quotient of functions using the quotient
Force, Velocity, and
L4 rule C2.3
Tension
Resolution of Vector - Find the derivative of a function using the chain rule
L5 C2.3
Components

Assessments F/A/O Ministry Code P/O/C KTAC

Note Completion A P
Practice Worksheet
F/A P
Completion
Quiz – Derivative Rules F P
PreTest Review F/A P
Test - Functions K(25%), T(20%), A(30%),
O C1.1, C1.2, C2.1, C2.2, C2.3 P
C(25%)
L1 – Introduction to Vectors Unit 4
MCV4U
Jensen

Part 1: What is a Vector?

A SCALAR quantity describes magnitude or size only. It does NOT include a direction.

Examples: temperature (−5℃), distance (5 km), speed (100 km/h), mass (10 kg)

A VECTOR is a mathematical quantity having both MAGNITUDE and DIRECTION

Examples: velocity (80 km/h west), force (10 N downward)

Vectors are represented with directed line segments. A directed line segment has a length, called its
magnitude, and a direction indicated by an arrowhead.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ has a starting point at A and ends at point B. It could also be expressed using a single
Vector 𝐴𝐵 head of vector

letter 𝑣 B

The magnitude, or size, of a vector is designated using absolute value v

brackets. The magnitude of vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | or |𝑣 |.
𝐴𝐵 or 𝑣 is written as |𝐴𝐵
Magnitude is always a non-negative value.
A
tail of vector

A vectors direction can be expressed in several different ways:

i) As an angle moving counter-clockwise with respect to a horizontal line

Diagram Description of Direction

Q
14 cm at 110° to the horizontal

14 cm
110
P

5 km at 30° to the horizontal

B
5 km
30
A
 ii) A True Bearing is a compass measurement where the angle is measured from North in a
clockwise direction.

Diagram Description of Direction

N
2.3 km at a true bearing of 135°
135

2.3 km
u
N
2 km at a true bearing of 060°
v
060
2 km

iii) A Quadrant Bearing is a measurement between 0° and 90° east or west of the north-south line.

Diagram Description of Direction

N
9.8 N at a quadrant bearing of S35°W

W E
9.8 N
35
u S

N
25 km/h at a quadrant bearing of N80°W
v 25 km/h
80

W E

Example 1: Convert the following

a) Write the true bearing 150° as a quadrant bearing. N

𝑆30°𝐸
150
W E
30

S u
b) Write the quadrant bearing N50°W as a true bearing.

N
v
True bearing of 310°
50
310
W E

S
Part 2: Equivalent and Opposite Vectors

Parallel Vectors: Vectors that have the same OR opposite direction, but not necessarily the same magnitude.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 ∥ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐷𝐶 A B

And

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 ∥ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷
C D

Equivalent Vectors: Vectors that have the same magnitude AND direction. The location of the vectors does
NOT matter.

Notice that any of these vectors could be translated

to be coincident with either of the other two.

𝑝=𝑞=𝑟

Or

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝐹

Opposite Vectors: Vectors that have the same magnitude but point in opposite directions.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |𝐵𝐴
Notice that |𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | but they point in opposite
directions. Therefore ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 ≠ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐴.

You can write an expression for an opposite vector by

placing a negative sign in front of it or by reversing the
order of the letters. The opposite of ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 can be written
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ or 𝐵𝐴
as −𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

An equivalent expression between the two vectors shown

could be ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = −𝐵𝐴⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Example 2: Given ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 , draw an equivalent vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷 and an opposite vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝐹 . Write equations to show the
relationship between the vectors.

B ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝐶𝐷
𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
D

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −𝐸𝐹
𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
E
A
C

F
L2 – Vector Addition Unit 4
MCV4U
Jensen

Part 1: Adding Vectors

When you add two or more vectors, you are finding a single vector, called the RESULTANT, that has the same
effect as the original vectors applied one after the other.

Two methods:

Parallelogram Tip to Tail (triangle)

To determine the sum of any two vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗, The sum of vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ can also be found by
arranged tail-to-tail, complete the parallelogram translating the tail of vector 𝑏⃗⃗ to the head of vector
formed by the two vectors. Their sum is the vector 𝑎⃗. The resultant is the vector from the tail of 𝑎⃗ to the
that is the diagonal of the constructed head of 𝑏⃗⃗.
parallelogram.

What if we add opposite vectors?

When two opposite vectors are added, the resultant is the zero vector. This means that the combined effect of
a vector and its opposite is the zero vector.
Part 2: Difference of 2 Vectors

If you want to determine the difference between two vectors, 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗,

there are two options:

Adding the Opposite Tail to Tail

The difference between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is found by adding Another way to think about 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗ is to arrange the
the opposite of vector 𝑏⃗⃗ to 𝑎⃗ using the triangle law vectors tail to tail. In this case, 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗ is the vector
of addition. that must be added to 𝑏⃗⃗ to get 𝑎⃗

Example 1: Suppose you are given the vectors 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, and 𝑐⃗ as shown below. Using these three vectors, sketch
𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗

b
a - b+ c
c
c a
a a-b

b
Example 2: In the rectangular box shown below, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑂𝐶 = 𝑏⃗⃗, and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑎⃗, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑂𝐷 = 𝑐⃗. Express each of the following
vectors in terms of 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, and 𝑐⃗.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −𝑎⃗
a) 𝐵𝐶

b) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐺𝐹 = 𝑎⃗

𝑂𝐵 = 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗
c) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝐴𝐶 = 𝑏⃗⃗ − 𝑎⃗
d) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

e) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐺 = 𝑐⃗ + (−𝑎⃗) = 𝑐⃗ − 𝑎⃗

𝑂𝐹 = 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗
f) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

Part 3: Properties of Vector Addition

Commutative Property 𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗ = 𝑣⃗ + 𝑢 ⃗⃗
Associative Property (𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗) + 𝑤 ⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑢
⃗⃗ + (𝑣⃗ + 𝑤
⃗⃗⃗)
Identity Property 𝑣⃗ + 0⃗⃗ = 𝑣⃗ = 0 ⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗

Example 3: Simplify each of the following

a) (𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗) − 𝑢
⃗⃗ b) [(𝑝⃗ + 𝑞⃗) − 𝑝⃗] − 𝑞⃗

= (𝑣⃗ + 𝑢 ⃗⃗) + (−𝑢⃗⃗) = [𝑞⃗ + (𝑝⃗ − 𝑝⃗)] − 𝑞⃗

= 𝑣⃗ + [𝑢 ⃗⃗ + (−𝑢
⃗⃗)] = (𝑞⃗ + ⃗0⃗) − 𝑞⃗
= 𝑣⃗ + ⃗0⃗ = 𝑞⃗ − 𝑞⃗
= 𝑣⃗ =0⃗⃗

Part 4: Solving Problems involving Vector Addition and Subtraction

If you have two vectors acting in the same direction, If you have two vectors acting in opposite directions,
the overall magnitude is equal to the sum of the two the overall magnitude is equal to the difference of
individual magnitudes. the two individual magnitudes.

a
a b
r b
r

|𝑟⃗| = |𝑎⃗| + |𝑏⃗⃗| |𝑟⃗| = |𝑎⃗| − |𝑏⃗⃗|

However, not all forces act in the same or opposite direction. Therefore, we will need some trigonometry to
determine the magnitude of resultant vectors.

Rule When to Use It

Pythagorean Theorem Right Triangle
Know: 2 sides
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 Want: 3rd side

Right Triangle Right Triangle

𝑂 𝐴 𝑂 Know: 2 sides Know: 1 side, 1 angle
𝑆 𝐶 𝑇
𝐻 𝐻 𝑎 Want: Angle Want: Side
(use inverse ratio)
Sine Law Oblique Triangle (no right angle) Oblique Triangle (no right angle)
Know: 2 sides and opposite angle Know: 1 side and all angles
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 Want: Angle Want: Side
= =
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶

Cosine Law Oblique Triangle Oblique Triangle

Know: 2 sides and contained angle Know: All 3 sides
𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐(cos 𝐴) Want: 3rd side Want: Angle
(use top formula) (use bottom formula)
𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2
cos 𝐴 =
−2𝑏𝑐

Example 4: Given vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ such that the angle between the two vectors is 60°, |𝑎⃗| = 3, and |𝑏⃗⃗| = 2,
determine |𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|.

Note: “angle between vectors”

means the angle between the
a+b vectors when placed tail to tail.
b
b Translate them tip to tail to
60 120 determine the resultant vector.
a

|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = |𝑎⃗|2 + |𝑏⃗⃗|2 − 2|𝑎⃗||𝑏⃗⃗| cos(120)

|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = (3)2 + (2)2 − 2(3)(2) cos(120)

1
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = 13 − 12 (− )
2

|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = 19

|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗| = √19

Example 5: An airplane heads due south at a speed of 300 km/h and meets a wind from the west at 100 km/h.
What is the resultant velocity of the airplane (relative to the ground)?

Let 𝑣⃗ represent the velocity of the airplane without the wind.

Let 𝑤
⃗⃗⃗ represent the velocity of the wind.

Let 𝑟⃗ represent the resultant velocity of airplane with wind taken in to v +w = r

account relative to a fixed point on the ground. v

Magnitude of resultant (speed): Direction:

100
|𝑟⃗|2 = |𝑣⃗|2 + |𝑤
⃗⃗⃗|2
tan 𝜃 =
300
w
|𝑟⃗|2 = (300)2 + (100)2
1
𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
2
|𝑟⃗| = 100 000 3

|𝑟⃗| ≅ 316.23 km/h 𝜃 ≅ 18.4°

Therefore, the plane is heading 𝑆18.4°𝐸 at a speed of 316.23 km/h.

Example 6: In an orienteering race, you walk 100 m due east and then walk 𝑁70°𝐸 for 60 m. How far are you
from your starting position, and at what bearing?

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗|2 + |𝐵𝐶
|𝑟⃗|2 = |𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |2 − 2|𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗||𝐵𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | cos(160)

|𝑟⃗|2 = (100)2 + (60)2 − 2(100)(60) cos(160)

|𝑟⃗| ≅ 157.7 m N N
157.7 60
=
sin 160 sin 𝐴

60 sin 160 r C
sin 𝐴 = 82.5 70
157.7 m
7.5 60
∠𝐴 = sin−1(
60 sin 160
)
A 100 m B
157.7

∠𝐴 ≅ 7.5°

You have travelled about 157.7 m at a quadrant bearing of 𝑁82.5°𝐸.

L3 – Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar Unit 4
MCV4U
Jensen

Part 1: Scalar Multiplication Reminder: Scalars have

magnitude but no
direction. Vectors have
In this section we will multiply a vector, 𝑎⃗, by a number 𝑘 to produce a new vector both magnitude and
𝑘𝑎⃗. The number 𝑘 used for multiplication is called a SCALAR and can be any real direction.
number.

Multiplying a vector by different values of a scalar 𝑘 can affect

the magnitude AND direction of the vector.

When two vectors are parallel, these vectors are described as

being colinear. They are described this way because they can
be translated to be on the same straight line. Scalar multiples
of vectors are colinear.

Rules:

1. If 𝑘 > 0, then 𝑘𝑎⃗ is in the same direction as 𝑎⃗ with magnitude 𝑘|𝑎⃗|

1 1
a. If 0 < 𝑘 < 1, 𝑎⃗ is shortened → |2 𝑎⃗| = 2 |𝑎⃗|
b. If 𝑘 > 1, 𝑎⃗ is lengthened → |2𝑎⃗| = 2|𝑎⃗|

2. If 𝑘 < 0, then 𝑘𝑎⃗ is in the opposite direction as 𝑎⃗ with magnitude |𝑘||𝑎⃗|

1 1
a. If −1 < 𝑘 < 0, 𝑎⃗ is shortened and changes to the opposite direction → |− 2 𝑎⃗| = 2 |𝑎⃗|
b. If 𝑘 < −1, 𝑎⃗ is lengthened and changes to the opposite direction → |−2𝑎⃗| = 2|𝑎⃗|

3. If 𝑘 = 0, the result is the zero vector ⃗0⃗

4. The distributive property for vector multiplication is 𝑘(𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗) = 𝑘𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑘𝑣⃗

Example 1: An airplane is heading due north at 1000 km/h. The airplane’s velocity is represented by 𝑣⃗. Draw
1 1
the vectors −𝑣⃗, 2 𝑣⃗, and − 2 𝑣⃗ and give an interpretation for each.

−𝑣⃗; velocity vector heading due south at 1000 km/h

1
𝑣⃗; velocity vector heading due north at 500 km/h
v -v 2

1
1
2 v - 12 v − 2 𝑣⃗; velocity vector heading due south at 500 km/h
 N
Example 2: Consider vector 𝑢⃗⃗ with magnitude |𝑢
⃗⃗| = 100 km/h, at a
quadrant bearing of 𝑁40°𝐸. Draw a vector with each scalar multiplication. u
Describe the resulting vector. 3u
40 100 km/h

W E
a) 3𝑢
⃗⃗
300 km/h
N

u
The velocity is 300 km/h at a
S
40 100 km/h
quadrant bearing of 𝑁40°𝐸.
W E

b) 0.5𝑢
⃗⃗ N

u The velocity is 50 km/h at a

40 0.5u
100 km/h
quadrant bearing of 𝑁40°𝐸.
50 km/h
W E

S
c) −2𝑢
⃗⃗

u
40 The velocity is 200 km/h at a
100 km/h quadrant bearing of 𝑆40°𝑊.
W E

200 km/h 40

S
-2u
Vector Properties for Scalar Multiplication

Distributive Property: For any scalar 𝑘 ∈ ℝ and any vectors 𝑢

⃗⃗ and 𝑣⃗, 𝑘(𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗) = 𝑘𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑘𝑣⃗

Associative Property: For any scalars 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ and any vector 𝑣⃗, (𝑎𝑏)𝑣⃗ = 𝑎(𝑏𝑣⃗)

Identity Property: For any vector 𝑣⃗, 1𝑣⃗ = 𝑣⃗

Example 3: If 𝑥⃗ = 3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗, 𝑦 = 𝑗⃗ − 5𝑘⃗⃗, and 𝑧⃗ = −𝑖⃗ − 𝑗⃗ + 4𝑘⃗⃗, determine each of the following in terms of
𝑖⃗, 𝑗⃗, and 𝑘⃗⃗.

a) 𝑥⃗ + 𝑦⃗ b) 𝑥⃗ − 𝑦⃗

= (3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗) + (𝑗⃗ − 5𝑘⃗⃗) = (3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗) − (𝑗⃗ − 5𝑘⃗⃗)

= 3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗ + 𝑗⃗ − 5𝑘⃗⃗ = 3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗ − 𝑗⃗ + 5𝑘⃗⃗

= 3𝑖⃗ − 3𝑗⃗ − 4𝑘⃗⃗ = 3𝑖⃗ − 5𝑗⃗ + 6𝑘⃗⃗

c) 𝑥⃗ − 2𝑦⃗ + 3𝑧⃗

= (3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗) − 2(𝑗⃗ − 5𝑘⃗⃗) + 3(−𝑖⃗ − 𝑗⃗ + 4𝑘⃗⃗)

= 3𝑖⃗ − 4𝑗⃗ + 𝑘⃗⃗ − 2𝑗⃗ + 10𝑘⃗⃗ − 3𝑖⃗ − 3𝑗⃗ + 12𝑘⃗⃗

⃗⃗
= −9𝑗⃗ + 23𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑢
Example 4: In trapezoid ABCD, 𝐵𝐶 ∥ 𝐴𝐷 and 𝐴𝐷 = 3𝐵𝐶. Let 𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑣⃗. Express 𝐴𝐷
⃗⃗ and 𝐵𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗, 𝐵𝐷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗, and 𝐶𝐷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ as
linear combinations of 𝑢
⃗⃗ and 𝑣⃗.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
B v
𝐴𝐷 = 3𝑣⃗
u C
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐷 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐴 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 = −𝑢⃗⃗ + 3𝑣⃗
A
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝐶𝐵
𝐶𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝐵𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 = −𝑣⃗ + (−𝑢
⃗⃗) + 3𝑣⃗ = 2𝑣⃗ − 𝑢
⃗⃗

D
Part 2: Creating Unit Vectors

It is sometimes useful to multiply the nonzero vector 𝑥⃗ by

1 1
the scalar |𝑥⃗|. When we multiply 𝑥⃗ by |𝑥⃗|, we get the vector
1
|𝑥⃗|
𝑥⃗. This is a vector of length one and is called a unit
vector, which points in the same direction as 𝑥⃗. The
concept of unit vectors will prove to be very useful when
we discuss applications of vectors.

Example 5: Given that ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

|𝑢| = 4 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑣| = 5 and the angel between 𝑢
⃗⃗ and 𝑣⃗ is 120°, determine the unit vector
in the same direction us 𝑢 ⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗.

⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗|2 = |𝑢
|𝑢 ⃗⃗|2 + |𝑣⃗|2 − 2|𝑢
⃗⃗||𝑣⃗| cos(60) v
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = (4)2 + (5)2 − 2(4)(5) cos(60)
60
u +v
1
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗|2 = 41 − 40 ( ) u
2
120
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗| = 21
2
v
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗| = √21

1
To create a unit vector in the same direction as 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗, multiply by the scalar equal to |𝑎⃗⃗+𝑏⃗⃗|

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Therefore, the unit vector is ⃗⃗ + ⃗𝒃⃗) =
(𝒂 ⃗⃗ +
𝒂 ⃗𝒃⃗
√𝟐𝟏 √𝟐𝟏 √𝟐𝟏
L4 – Applications of Vector Addition Unit 4
MCV4U
Jensen

Part 1: Resultant Force

When two vectors act on an object, you can use vector addition, the Pythagorean theorem, and trigonometry
to find the resultant.

We have shown that if we take any two forces that act at the same point, acting at an angle of 𝜃 to each other,
the forces may be composed to obtain the resultant of these two forces. Furthermore, the resultant of any
two forces is unique because there is only one parallelogram that can be formed with these two forces.

Example 1: A sailboat’s destination is 8 km east and 6 km north. Find the magnitude and direction, in bearing
notation, of the resultant.

Magnitude:

|𝑟|2 = (8)2 + (6)2 N

|𝑟| = 10 km

Direction: r
tan 𝜃 =
8 6 km
6

8
𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
6 8 km
𝜃 ≅ 53.1°

The resultant displacement is 10 km at a true bearing of 053.1°.

Part 2: Velocity

The resultant velocity of any two velocities is their sum. In all calculations involving resultant velocities, it is
necessary to draw a triangle showing the velocities so there is a clear recognition of the resultant and its
relationship to the other two velocities.

For velocity questions involving airplanes:

wind velocity

• When the velocity of the airplane is mentioned, it is understood that we are

ity
referring to its air speed (speed relative to the air it is flying in). v el oc
• When the velocity of the wind is mentioned, we are referring to its velocity air
relative to the ground.
• The resultant velocity of the airplane is the velocity of the airplane ground
velocity
relative to the ground.
• 𝑣⃗𝑎𝑖𝑟 + 𝑤
⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑣⃗𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑
Example 2: A plane travels 𝑁40°𝐸 at an airspeed of 1000 km/h. Measurement on the ground indicates that
the plane is traveling 𝑁45°𝐸 at a speed of 1050 km/h. What is the velocity of the wind?

Magnitude

⃗⃗⃗|2 = (1000)2 + (1050)2 − 2(1000)(1050) cos(5)

|𝑤

⃗⃗⃗| ≅ 102.4 km/h

|𝑤

Direction:
Note: Choose cosine law to solve for
2 2
1050 − 1000 − 102.4 2 unknown angle. You could have chosen
cos 𝜃 = sine law but would have had to consider
−2(1000)(102.4)
the ambiguous case.
𝜃 ≅ 116.7

𝛼 = 𝜃 − 40

𝛼 = 116.7 − 40

𝛼 = 76.7°

Therefore, the wind speed is 102.4 km/h at a quadrant bearing of 𝑆76.7°𝐸.

Part 3: Equilibrant Vector

An equilibrant vector is one that balances another vector or a combination of vectors. It is equal in magnitude
but opposite in direction to the resultant vector. If the equilibrant is added to a given system of vectors, the
sum of all vectors, including the equilibrant, is ⃗0⃗.

The equilibrant of a number of forces is the single force

that opposes the resultant of the forces acting on an
object. When the equilibrant is applied to the object, this
force maintains the object in a state of equilibrium.

Example 3: A clown with mass 80 kg is shot out of a cannon with a horizontal force of 2000 N. The vertical
force is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 9.8 m/s2, times the mass of the clown.

a) Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the clown.

|𝑓⃗𝑔 | = 80(9.8) = 784 N

|𝐹⃗ |2 = (2000)2 + (784)2

E 2000 N
|𝐹⃗ | ≅ 2148.2 N

784 N
F
784
tan 𝜃 =
2000

𝜃 ≅ 21.4°

The resultant force has a magnitude of 2148.2 N and a direction of 21.4° below the horizontal.

b) Find the magnitude and direction of the equilibrant force on the clown.

𝛼 = 180 − 𝜃 = 180 − 21.4 = 158.6°.

The equilibrant force has a magnitude of 2148.2 N and a direction of 158.6° counterclockwise from the
horizontal.
Example 4: A mass of 20 kg is suspended from a ceiling by two lengths of rope that make angles of 60° and
45° with the ceiling. Determine the tension in each of the ropes.

|𝑓⃗𝑔 | = 20(9.8) = 196 N

Position Diagram: Vector Diagram:

T2
Ceiling 45
45

60
60 45 196 N 45
30

T1 T2
T1
Mass Mass

196 N 196 N

The resultant of the tensions must be equal in

magnitude to the force of gravity but in the opposite
direction since the system is in a state of equilibrium.

⃗⃗1 |: ⃗⃗2 |:
|𝑇
|𝑇

⃗⃗1 | ⃗⃗2 |
|𝑇 196
|𝑇 196 =
= sin 30 sin 105
sin 45 sin 105

196 sin 45 196 sin 30

⃗⃗1 | = ⃗⃗2 | =
|𝑇
|𝑇 sin 105
sin 105

⃗⃗1 | ≅ 143.5 N ⃗⃗2 | ≅ 101.5 N

|𝑇
|𝑇
Example 5: A video projector of mass 2 kg is hung by a 5 m rope from the ceiling. The projector is pulled back
2 m (measured horizontally) by a horizontal force. Find the magnitude of the horizontal force and the tension
in the rope.

|𝑓⃗𝑔 | = 2(9.8) = 19.6 N

Position Diagram: Vector Diagram:

Ceiling
Ceiling

5m FH
T 5m
2m
19.6 N T
FH
Projector 2m
Projector
19.6 N
19.6 N

19.6 19.6
2 tan 66.4 = sin 66.4 =
cos 𝜃 = |𝐹⃗𝐻 | ⃗⃗|
|𝑇
5

𝜃 ≅ 66.4° 19.6 19.6

|𝐹⃗𝐻 | = ⃗⃗| =
|𝑇
tan 66.4 sin 66.4

⃗⃗𝑯 | ≅ 𝟖. 𝟔 N
|𝑭 ⃗⃗| ≅ 𝟐𝟏. 𝟒 N
|𝑻
L5 – Resolution of Vectors in to Rectangular Components Unit 4
MCV4U
Jensen

Resolving a Vector into its Components

In many situations involving forces, we are interested in a process that is the opposite of composition. This
process is called resolution, which means taking a single force and decomposing it into two components.
When we resolve a force into two components, it is possible to do this in an infinite number of ways because
there are infinitely many parallelograms having a particular single force as the diagonal. However, the most
useful and important way to resolve a force vector occurs when this vector is resolved into two components
that are at right angles to each other. These components are usually referred to ask the horizontal and vertical
components or rectangular vector components.

If 𝑓⃗ is resolved into its respective horizontal and

vertical components, 𝑓⃗𝑥 and 𝑓⃗𝑦 , then:

|𝑓⃗𝑥 | = |𝑓⃗| cos 𝜃

f
|𝑓⃗𝑦 | = |𝑓⃗| sin 𝜃 fy
Where 𝜃 is the angle that 𝑓⃗ makes with the 𝑥-axis.

fx
Example 1: A tow truck is pulling a car from a ditch.
The tension in the cable is 15 000 N at an angle of
40° to the horizontal.

a) Draw a diagram showing the resolution of the force into its rectangular vector components.

0 N
00
15 fy
f =
40

fx
b) Determine the magnitudes of the horizontal and vertical vector components of the force.

|𝑓⃗𝑥 | = 15000 cos 40 |𝑓⃗𝑦 | = 15000 sin 40

|𝑓⃗𝑥 | ≅ 11490.7 N |𝑓⃗𝑦 | ≅ 9641.8 N

Example 2: Kayla pulls on a rope attached to her sleigh with a force of 200 N. If the rope makes an angle of
20° with the horizontal, determine:

a) the force that pulls the sleigh forward = |𝑓⃗𝑥 |

0 N
|𝑓⃗𝑥 | = 200 cos 20 f =20 fy
|𝑓⃗𝑥 | ≅ 187.9 N 20

fx
b) the force that tends to lift the sleigh = |𝑓⃗𝑦 |

|𝑓⃗𝑦 | = 200 sin 20

|𝑓⃗𝑦 | ≅ 68.4 N

Example 3: A box weighting 140 N is resting on a ramp that is inclined at an angle of 20°. Resolve the weight
into rectangular vector components that keep the box at rest.

Position Diagram: Vector Diagram:

Box Box
Ramp f Ramp
20 20

140 N n
n 140 N
20

|𝑛⃗⃗| = 140 cos 20 The force acting perpendicular to the ramp, 𝑛⃗⃗, and
the force of friction on the ramp, 𝑓⃗ are holding the
|𝑛⃗⃗| ≅ 131.6 N box in a state of equilibrium. Therefore, the
resultant must be equal to the opposite of the
|𝑓⃗| = 140 sin 20 force of the box.

|𝑓| ≅ 47.9 N

The box is kept at rest by a force of 131.6 N acting perpendicular to the ramp and by friction of 47.9 N parallel
to the surface of the ramp.