RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS

RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS

The parts of a vector resolved into vertical and horizontal vector are rectangular components. Rectangular components are perpendicular to each other.

Draw the X-Y axis for rectangular components as in figure (1).

From figure (1), it represents a resultant vector  on point . Through point O, it separates two components in X and Y direction axis. The two components are  and  on vector point ON and OM respectively. From point P draw two lines in X and Y axis as PM and PN.

The triangle law of vectors can be applied on a triangle ONP.

Where, the components of A are Ax in X-direction and Ay in Y-direction.

From triangle ONP find the value of cos q and sin q.

Add equations (1) and (2) and square it both sides.

Write the magnitude of given vector A.