Grade 11 · Theory
Resultant vectors
Vectors in two dimensions · about 3 min
Visual overview: Resultant vectors1 MIN READ
2 study sections · pause after each one and recall the key ideaVectors in two dimensions combine to a single resultant that has the same effect as all of them together.
Key points- Add vectors head-to-tail; the resultant runs from the first tail to the last head.
- For perpendicular vectors, use Pythagoras for magnitude and tan θ for direction.
- The equilibrant is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the resultant.
- Always state the direction of a resultant, measured from a stated reference.
- Resultant — the single vector equal to the sum.
- Equilibrant — the vector that balances the resultant.
EXAM TIP
draw the vector diagram roughly to scale first — it tells you immediately whether your calculated angle is sensible.