CAIE IGCSE Physics: Resultant of Perpendicular Vectors Question Bank

Practise finding the resultant of two perpendicular vectors, using scale diagrams or calculation for forces and velocities.

Exam points

use Pythagoras' theorem to calculate the resultant of two right-angle forces or velocities
draw a scaled vector triangle or rectangle and read off the resultant magnitude and direction
state the direction of a resultant using an angle and a clear reference line

[Maximum number: 4]

The boat in (b) is moving due west at a speed of $6.5 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$ relative to the water. The water is moving due south at $3.5 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$ .

In the space below, draw a scale diagram to determine the size and direction of the resultant of these two velocities. State the scale used.
scale
size of resultant velocity =
direction of resultant

scale $\geqslant 1 \mathrm{~cm}: 1 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$

B1

two arrows/lines and correct resultant OR rectangle and correct diagonal (towards bottom left)

B1

$7.2 \rightarrow 7.6 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$

B1

$26.0^{\circ} \leqslant$ angle below $\mathrm{E}-\mathrm{W} \leqslant 30.5^{\circ}$

OR $239.5^{\circ} \leqslant$ bearing $\leqslant 244^{\circ}$

B1

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1.1.7—Determine, by calculation or question 1