Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Scalars and vectors

Scalars and vectors — practice question

A particle moves with velocity $V$, making an angle $\theta$ with the horizontal. Its velocity components are $V_v$ vertically upwards and $V_h$ horizontally to the right, as illustrated. What expressions give the magnitude of $V$ and the angle $\theta$?

  • Amagnitude of $V$: $\sqrt{V_v^2 + V_h^2}$, $\theta = \tan^{-1}\!\left(\frac{V_h}{V_v}\right)$
  • Bmagnitude of $V$: $\sqrt{V_v^2 + V_h^2}$, $\theta = \tan^{-1}\!\left(\frac{V_v}{V_h}\right)$
  • Cmagnitude of $V$: $\sqrt{V_v^2 - V_h^2}$, $\theta = \tan^{-1}\!\left(\frac{V_h}{V_v}\right)$
  • Dmagnitude of $V$: $\sqrt{V_v^2 - V_h^2}$, $\theta = \tan^{-1}\!\left(\frac{V_v}{V_h}\right)$

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