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2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector - University Physics Volume 1 | OpenStax

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Vectors are usually described in terms of their components in a coordinate system. Even in everyday life we naturally invoke the concept of vector components in a rectangular coordinate system. For example, if you ask someone for directions to a particular location, you will more likely be told to go 40 km east and 30 km north than 50 km in the direction 37° 37 ° north of east. In a rectangular (Cartesian) xy-coordinate system in a plane, a point in a plane is described by a pair of coordinates (x, y). In a similar fashion, a vector 𝐀 ⃗ 𝐴 → in a plane is described by a pair of its vector coordinates. The x-coordinate of vector 𝐀 ⃗ 𝐴 → is called its x-component and the y-coordinate of vector 𝐀 ⃗ 𝐴 → is called its y-component. The vector x-component is a vector denoted by 𝐀 ⃗ 𝑥 𝐴 → 𝑥 . The vector y-component is a vector denoted by 𝐀 ⃗ 𝑦 𝐴 → 𝑦 . In the Cartesian system, the x and y vector components of a vector are the orthogonal projections, as illustrated in

2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector - University Physics Volume 1 | OpenStax Skip to Content Go to accessibility page Keyboard shortcuts menu University Physics Volume 1 2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector University Physics Volume 1 2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector Contents Highlights Print Close 2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe vectors in two and three dimensions in terms of their components, using unit vectors along the axes. Distinguish between the vector components of a

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