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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » A Short Note on Components of Vectors (Horizontal & Vertical)

A Short Note on Components of Vectors (Horizontal & Vertical)

In the following article we are going to know about components of vectors.

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 Vectors are magnitude and direction geometrical elements. A vector’s magnitude is represented by its length, which is shown as a line with an arrow pointing in the direction of the vector. As a result, vectors have both beginning and ending points and are represented by arrows. The notion of vectors evolved over a 200-year span. Physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration are expressed using vectors. In addition, the late nineteenth-century breakthrough of electromagnetic induction ushered in the usage of vectors.

Vector Components:

The components of a vector dictate how it is divided. By dividing a vector with reference to each of the axes, we may compute its components. The many components of a vector can then be combined to generate the entire vector representation. In general, vectors are represented by an x-axis and y-axis in a two-dimensional coordinate plane, or by the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in a three-dimensional space. Vectors are mathematical representations that are directed and magnitude-based.

The direction of a vector in a two-dimensional coordinate system is determined by the angle it makes with the positive x-axis. 

Here, vector V is split into two components: vx and vy.

Vx is known as the Horizontal Component of the vector V.

Vy is known as the vertical component of the vector V.

Consider a vector A = Ax i + Ay j

Now the horizontal component is: Ax

And the vertical component is: Ay

The initial vector, as specified by a collection of axes. The horizontal component of the vector extends from its origin to its furthest x-coordinate. The vertical component extends from the x-axis to the vector’s most vertical point. The two components, along with the vector, create a right triangle.

Adding Vectors using components: 

To combine vectors, just represent them in terms of their horizontal and vertical components, then add them together.

A vector of length 5 with a 36.9-degree angle to the horizontal axis, for example, will have a horizontal component of 4 units and a vertical component of 3 units. We would receive a vector twice as long at the same angle if we added this to another vector of the same magnitude and direction. By summing the horizontal components of the two vectors (4 + 4 ) and the two vertical components (3 + 3 ), this may be observed. These additions result in a new vector with an 8 (4 + 4 ) horizontal component and a 6 (3 + 3 ) vertical component. Simply position the tail of the vertical component at the head (arrow side) of the horizontal component and draw a line from the origin to the head of the vertical component to determine the resultant vector. The resulting vector is this new line. Because each of its components are twice as massive as they were previously, it should be twice as lengthy as the original.

Subtraction of vectors using components:

To remove vectors by components, subtract the two horizontal components from each other and repeat for the vertical components. Then, like in the last part, draw the vector that results.

Finding components:

Problem: Find the x (horizontal) and y (vertical) components of a 12 magnitude vector that makes a 45 degree angle with the positive x-axis.

Answer: V= 12 is the magnitude of the given vector, and it forms a 45 degrees angle.

Vx = VCosθ = 12 is the x component of the vector.

Cos45° = 12.(1/√2) = 6√2.

Vy = VSinθ = 12 is the y component of the vector.

Sin 45° = 12.

(1/√2) = 6√2.

As a result, both the x and y components of the vector are equal to 6√2.

Conclusion:

A vector is sometimes described as a collection of vector components that combine to form the vector. The projections of the vector on a set of mutually perpendicular reference axes are generally these components (basis vectors). The vector is said to be deconstructed or resolved with relation to that set. It is not unique since the axes on which the vector is projected dictate the breakdown or resolution of the vector into components.

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Define a vector component?

The components of a vector are the pieces that are broken down into it. The x-axis (horizontal) component of the vec...Read full

What is a vector's vertical component?

A triangle is formed when a vector is divided into two halves. The horizontal component of the triangle is the botto...Read full

What's the Difference Between Vectors and Scalars?

Scalars are things that have magnitude but not direction, whereas vectors are objects that have both magnitude and d...Read full

In mathematics, what are vectors?

 Vectors are geometrical or physical quantities that have both a magnitude and a direction of movement. The length ...Read full

What are the applications of vectors in real life?

In everyday life, vectors are commonly employed to express the velocity of an aircraft when both the aircraft’...Read full

The components of a vector are the pieces that are broken down into it. The x-axis (horizontal) component of the vector (4, 1) is 4, and the y-axis (vertical) component is 1.

A triangle is formed when a vector is divided into two halves. The horizontal component of the triangle is the bottom edge, while the vertical component is the side opposite the angle. The length of the two components may be calculated using the angle that the vector makes with the horizontal.

Scalars are things that have magnitude but not direction, whereas vectors are objects that have both magnitude and direction. Scalars are generally actual numbers with measuring units. The direction in which an item is travelling is indicated by vectors. Time 4 hours, for example, is a scalar because it has no direction, but velocity 40 mph is a vector since it indicates that the item is going in one direction.

 Vectors are geometrical or physical quantities that have both a magnitude and a direction of movement. The length of a vector is indicated by its magnitude. An arrow pointing in the direction of the vector is commonly used to depict it. A vector is written as a1 i + b1 j + c1 k, where a1, b1, and c1 are its constituents.

In everyday life, vectors are commonly employed to express the velocity of an aircraft when both the aircraft’s speed and direction of travel must be understood. The interaction of electric and magnetic forces causes electromagnetic induction.

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