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Adding Two Perpendicular Vectors

Parallel and anti-parallel vectors are simply added together as they are in one dimension.Parallel VectorsAntiparallel Vectors
When adding vectors at right angles to each other, the resultant is the vector sum of all the quantities. Vectors can be added using Pythagoras's Theorem if they are perpendicular.You use the Sine Rule or the Cosine Rule if they are not perpendicular.

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Specification: AQA Physics (7407), AS-level, 3.4.1.1 Scalars and vectors. Topic: Forces in Equilibrium.

Key terms in this lesson

Vector quantity
A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

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