Vectors
VECTORS: RESULTANTS AND COMPONENTS
Rev. 0
Page 11
CP-02
Figure 11 Vector Components
Figure 12 Component Vectors
As in the previous example, if only
the resultant is given, instead of
component coordinates, one can
determine the vector components as
illustrated in Figure 11. First, plot
t he resultant on rectangular
coordinates and then project the
vector coordinates to the axis. The
length along the x-axis is F , and the
x
length along the y-axis is F . This
y
method is demonstrated in the
following example.
For the resultant vector shown in
Figure 12, determine the component
vectors given F = 50 lbf at 53 .
R
o
First, project a perpendicular line
from the head of F to the x-axis and
R
a similar line to the y-axis. Where the projected lines meet, the axes determine the magnitude
size of the component vectors. In this example, the component vectors are 30 lbf at 0 (F ) and
o
x
40 lbf at 90 (F ). If F had not already been drawn, the first step would have been to draw the
o
y
R
vector.
