Vectors
VECTORS: RESULTANTS AND COMPONENTS
Rev. 0
Page 15
CP-02
Vector Terminology Summary
+
A resultant is a single vector that can replace two or
more vectors.
+
Components can be obtained for any two non-parallel
directions if the vectors are in the same plane.
Restricting the treatment to perpendicular directions
and two dimensional space, the components of a
vector are the two vectors in the x and y (or east-
west and north-south) directions which produce the
same effect as the original vector (or add to produce
the original vector).
+
Components are determined from data, graphically or
analytically.
F is calculated as follows:
y
sin = opposite/hypotenuse
sin = F /F or F = F sin
y
R
y
R
F = F sin
y
R
F = (80)(sin 220 )
y
o
F = (80)(-0.6428)
y
F = -51 lbf at 90 or 51 lbf at 270
y
o
o
Therefore, the components for F are F = 61 at 180 and F = 51 lbf at 270 .
R
x
y
o
o
Summary
Vector terminology is summarized below.
