## IB Physics Glossary

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### V

$\vec{A}$:
x- or horizontal component $A_H=A \cos \theta$;
y- or vertical component $A_V= A \sin \theta$;
magnitude $A=\sqrt{A_H^2 + A_V^2}$;
$\tan \theta = \frac{A_V}{A_H}$.
$\vec{B}$:
x- or horizontal component $B_H=B \cos \theta$;
y- or vertical component $B_V= B \sin \theta$;
magnitude $B=\sqrt{B_H^2 + B_V^2}$;
$tan \theta =\frac{B_V}{B_H}$.

$\vec{C} = \vec{A} + \vec{B}$:
x- or horizontal component $C_H=A_H + B_H$;
y- or vertical component $C_V= A_V + B_V$;
magnitude $C=\sqrt{C_H^2 + C_V^2}$;
$tan \theta =\frac{C_V}{C_H}$.

Subtraction
$\vec{C} = \vec{A} - \vec{B} = \vec{A} + (\vec{-B})$:
x- or horizontal component $C_H=A_H - B_H$;
y- or vertical component $C_V= A_V - B_V$;
magnitude $C=\sqrt{C_H^2 + C_V^2}$;
$tan \theta =\frac{C_V}{C_H}$.
 Keyword(s): 1.3

#### Vector quantites

have magnitude and direction. Direction or changes in direction have an effect on vector quantities. Examples include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum and field strength.
 Keyword(s): 1.3

#### Velocity

is the rate of change of displacement. (d)
$v=\frac{\Delta s}{\Delta t}$.
 Keyword(s): 2.1

#### Visual binary stars

are stars of a system that are visible as separate stars (with unaided eye or through a telescope/binoculars)
 Keyword(s): E2

#### Voltmeter

measures potential difference across a component. It is placed parallel to the component. An ideal voltmeter has infinite resistance so that no current flows through it.
 Keyword(s): 5.2