Vectors in Two Dimensions is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Physical Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. The single vector that has the same effect as two or more vectors added together is called the:
Resultant
Component
Scalar sum
Equilibrant
Answer: Resultant — The resultant is the single vector equivalent to two or more vectors combined by vector addition.
Easy
2. In the parallelogram method for adding two vectors, the resultant is represented by:
The diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from the common starting point of the two vectors
One of the two original sides of the parallelogram
The perimeter of the parallelogram
The shorter of the two diagonals only
Answer: The diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from the common starting point of the two vectors — When both vectors are drawn from a common point and a parallelogram is completed, the resultant is the diagonal running from that common starting point to the opposite corner.
Medium
3. Two perpendicular forces of 6 N and 8 N act on an object. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force, in newtons, using the theorem of Pythagoras.
Answer: 10 — R = sqrt(6^2 + 8^2) = sqrt(36+64) = sqrt(100) = 10 N.
