Physics A-Level
Trigonometry
What Trigonometry means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Trigonometry
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Trigonometry in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Used to project a vector onto each axis, giving F cos θ along the axis and F sin θ perpendicular to it.
Topics that use Trigonometry
- Scalars and vectors (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Coplanar forces at a point
- Displacement
- Equilibrium
- Equilibrium conditions
- Free-body diagrams
- Measurement accuracy
- Newton's laws apply along each axis independently
- Perpendicular components
Using Trigonometry in the exam
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