In this post, we will resolve a velocity into its x and y components. In the figure below, we have an initial velocity, V, on an angle, a, from the horizontal.
This lesson will be used in a later post to determine how far an object will travel based on those two parameters. For now, however, the resolution of the components will be examined.
This lesson will be used in a later post to determine how far an object will travel based on those two parameters. For now, however, the resolution of the components will be examined.
The x component of the velocity can be computed by multiplying the velocity, V, by the cosine of a. The y component of the velocity can be computed by multiplying the velocity, V, by the cosine of (90 - a).
The Python code for computing the x and y components is shown below. The code has been commented using the # symbol. This # symbol does not affect the computations, but it helps to document the code for future reference.
For angles less than 45 degrees, the x component will be greater than the y component:
For an angle of 45 degrees, the x and y components will be the same:
For angles greater than 45 degrees, the y component will be greater than the x component:
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