IB Physics SL S1.3.2 Vectors and Diagrams

Practise distinguishing vectors from scalars, combining or resolving vectors graphically and using relative-velocity or force diagrams to determine magnitude and direction.

Exam points

distinguish scalar and vector quantities by whether direction is required as well as magnitude
construct or interpret a scaled vector sum after a force is reversed, halved or redirected
resolve velocity components or subtract vectors to determine relative speed and direction

[Maximum number: 3]

A glider is an aircraft with no engine. To be launched, a glider is uniformly accelerated from rest by a cable pulled by a motor that exerts a horizontal force on the glider throughout the launch.

Figure for Question S1.3.2—Vectors and diagrams question 1 — IB Physics SL

At a particular instant in the flight the glider is losing 1.00 m of vertical height for every 6.00 m that it goes forward horizontally. At this instant, the horizontal speed of the glider is $12.5 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ . Calculate the velocity of the glider. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

any speed and any direction quoted together as the answer quotes their answer(s) to 3 significant figures

speed $=12.7 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ or direction $=9.46^{\circ}$ or 0.165 rad «below the horizontal» or gradient of $-\frac{1}{6}$

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S1.3.2—Vectors and diagrams question 1