The Calculated Angle is Not Always the Direction
The measure of an angle as determined through use of SOH CAH TOA is not always the direction of the vector. The following vector addition diagram is an example of such a…
Using Trigonometry to Determine a Vector’s Direction
The direction of a resultant vector can often be determined by use of trigonometric functions. Most students recall the meaning of the useful mnemonic SOH CAH TOA from their course in trigonometry.…
The Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is a useful method for determining the result of adding two (and only two) vectors that make a right angle to each other. The method is not applicable for adding more…
Vector Addition
A variety of mathematical operations can be performed with and upon vectors. One such operation is the addition of vectors. Two vectors can be added together to determine the result…
Conventions for Describing Directions of Vectors
Vectors can be directed due East, due West, due South, and due North. But some vectors are directed northeast (at a 45 degree angle); and some vectors are even directed northeast, yet more…
Vectors – Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions
Vectors: Fundamentals and Operations Vectors and Direction A study of motion will involve the introduction of a variety of quantities that are used to describe the physical world. Examples of…
Identifying Action and Reaction Force Pairs
According to Newton's third law, for every action force there is an equal (in size) and opposite (in direction) reaction force. Forces always come in pairs - known as "action-reaction force…
Newton’s Third Law of Motion
Newton's Third Law A force is a push or a pull that acts upon an object as a results of its interaction with another object. Forces result from interactions! As…
Double Trouble (a.k.a., Two Body Problems)
Our study thus far has been restricted to the analysis of single objects moving under the influence of Newton's laws. But what happens if there are two objects connected together…
Free Fall Motion
As learned in an earlier unit, free fall is a special type of motion in which the only force acting upon an object is gravity. Objects that are said to…
