What Formula Should I Use for Calculating Vector Components in Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter katie_08
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula
Click For Summary
To calculate vector components in physics, the key formulas involve breaking down vectors into their x and y components using trigonometric functions. For acceleration, the formula a = F/m can be used, where F is the force and m is the mass. Displacement can similarly be resolved into components using the sine and cosine functions based on the angle of the vector. Understanding that vectors have components is crucial for solving these problems effectively. Proper application of these principles will lead to accurate calculations of both acceleration and displacement components.
katie_08
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have a physics worksheet to do and i have all of the information for the problem, but i just can't figure out what formula to use. Right now we are working on force problems and the question says to find the x and y components of the acceleration. Then another question says to find the x and y components for the displacement. I am NOT asking for anything other than which possible formula to use for this problem. If i didn't write enough of the information, let me know and i will add it. Thank you if you can help me at all. It would be very much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
F=ma is a vector equation. Are you given an F?
 
yes, i was
 
katie_08 said:
yes, i was
Well, vectors have components. There you go!
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Two dimensional motion problem (kicking a soccer ball into the goal)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
949
Can A Vector Have Components Of Say Y or Z in the X-Hat Direction?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Understanding the Proper Uncertainty Formula to Use
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
What Formula Should I Use for Coefficient of Volume Expansion?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Am I Calculating the Components of V3 Correctly?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Dynamics of Circular Motion
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
925
Query related to Two-Dimensional Motion
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Force components for mass attached to two springs
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
How do I calculate physics formulas containing derivatives and real numbers?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K