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LearnEdexcelYMA012018 specificationWME01 · Mechanics 1Vectors in mechanics

WME01 · Module

Vectors in mechanics

2 subtopics≈ 65 min in total

Start the module: Magnitude, direction and resultant forces Open graphing calculator

Magnitude, direction and resultant forces
Writing a vector as $a\mathbf i+b\mathbf j$ splits it into east and north parts. Its magnitude is $\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$ and its direction comes from $\tan\theta=\dfrac ba$ . Add forces part by part to get the resultant, then $\mathbf F=m\mathbf a$ gives the acceleration as a vector.
≈ 30 min
Position, velocity and acceleration vectors
An object starting at $\mathbf r_0$ and moving with constant velocity $\mathbf v$ is at $\mathbf r=\mathbf r_0+\mathbf vt$ after time $t$ . Speed is the magnitude of velocity. "Due north" means the $\mathbf i$ -component is zero; two objects meet when their position vectors are equal at the same time.
≈ 35 min