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/sci/ - Science & Math

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2724146 No.2724146 [Reply] [Original]

Learning about vectors in physics. Can someone explain the applicable use of the x and y components of a vector. Like in a real scenario, what is the point of knowing these component?

>> No.2724343

>>2724146

Launch an object diagonally into the air. Knowing the y component will let you calculate how long it will stay in the air. Then from knowing the x component you can calculate how far it went.

Just one example that springs to mind. I suggest paying attention, this is very important.

>> No.2724354

If you need to track the position/velocity/acceleration of something moving in multiple dimensions, this is how it's done.

>> No.2724356

They're the directional elements of the vector. They pretty much tell you everything you want to know. If they weren't important you would just use a scalar distance or something in the first place instead of vectors.

>> No.2724359

>>2724343
projectile motions.

>> No.2724362

Search for force table to see that vectors are real physical things.