Distinguishing scalar and vector quantities, finding resultants by scale diagram and by calculation for parallel, anti-parallel and perpendicular vectors, and resolving a vector into two perpendicular components.
4 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
A plane flying at 200 m/s north in a 50 m/s wind from the west does not travel at 250 m/s. Vectors tell us where it actually goes.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Magnitude only: distance, speed, mass, energy, time, temperature.
Magnitude and direction: displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight, momentum.
The single vector with the same effect as the vectors combined.
Add / subtract (direction of the larger).
R = √(a² + b²); tan θ = opposite ÷ adjacent.
Choose a scale; draw head to tail; measure R and the angle.
Horizontal F cos θ; vertical F sin θ.
Resultant force = 0.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (13 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [13 marks]
A boat is pulled by two ropes. A calculator and a ruler may be used.
(a) (a) Distinguish between a scalar and a vector quantity. [2]
(b) (b) Name one scalar quantity and one vector quantity. [2]
(c) (c) Two forces of 30 N and 40 N act on the boat at right angles to each other. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force. [3]
(d) (d) Calculate the angle the resultant makes with the 30 N force. [3]
(e) (e) A third force pulls the boat with 50 N directly opposite to the resultant. State the resultant of all three forces. [1]
(f) (f) A rope pulls with 100 N at 40° above the horizontal. Calculate the horizontal component. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.