magnitude and direction
What magnitude and direction means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for AQA, WJEC.
Definitions of magnitude and direction
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Reference: WJEC
The size of the resultant force given by the square root of the sum of squared components, and its direction angle relative to the x-axis.
A vector has both of these, and in context a result is interpreted with them, such as a velocity given as a speed and bearing.
Topics that use magnitude and direction
- J: Vectors (AQA A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (A2 Unit 4: Applied Mathematics B) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- 2D Newton's second law
- 2D particle dynamics
- coefficient of friction
- component
- component form
- Coulomb friction model
- direction
- Displacement
Using magnitude and direction in the exam
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