1.10a Vectors in 2D: i,j notation and column vectors

356 questions

Sort by: Default | Easiest first | Hardest first
AQA M1 2012 January Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7 A helicopter is initially at rest on the ground at the origin when it begins to accelerate in a vertical plane. Its acceleration is \(( 4.2 \mathbf { i } + 2.5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\) for the first 20 seconds of its motion. The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal and vertical respectively. Assume that the helicopter moves over horizontal ground.
  1. Find the height of the helicopter above the ground at the end of the 20 seconds.
  2. Find the velocity of the helicopter at the end of the 20 seconds.
  3. Find the speed of the helicopter when it is at a height of 180 metres above the ground.
AQA M1 2013 January Q2
9 marks Moderate -0.8
2 Three forces act on a particle. These forces are ( \(9 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j }\) ) newtons, ( \(5 \mathbf { i } + 8 \mathbf { j }\) ) newtons and ( \(- 7 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j }\) ) newtons. The vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular unit vectors.
  1. Find the resultant of these forces.
  2. Find the magnitude of the resultant force.
  3. Given that the particle has mass 5 kg , find the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle.
  4. Find the angle between the resultant force and the unit vector \(\mathbf { i }\).
AQA M1 2013 January Q6
8 marks Moderate -0.8
6 A river has straight parallel banks. The water in the river is flowing at a constant velocity of \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) parallel to the banks. A boat crosses the river, from the point \(A\) to the point \(B\), so that its path is at an angle \(\alpha\) to the bank. The velocity of the boat relative to the water is \(4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) perpendicular to the bank. The diagram shows these velocities and the path of the boat. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ccc1db66-9700-4f22-905e-cc0bdf1fd3c1-12_467_988_568_532}
  1. Show that \(\alpha = 53.1 ^ { \circ }\), correct to three significant figures.
  2. The boat returns along the same straight path from \(B\) to \(A\). Given that the speed of the boat relative to the water is still \(4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the boat on the return journey.
AQA M1 2013 January Q7
12 marks Moderate -0.8
7 A particle is initially at the point \(A\), which has position vector \(13.6 \mathbf { i }\) metres, with respect to an origin \(O\). At the point \(A\), the particle has velocity \(( 6 \mathbf { i } + 2.4 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), and in its subsequent motion, it has a constant acceleration of \(( - 0.8 \mathbf { i } + 0.1 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 2 }\). The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are directed east and north respectively.
  1. Find an expression for the velocity of the particle \(t\) seconds after it leaves \(A\).
  2. Find an expression for the position vector of the particle, with respect to the origin \(O\), \(t\) seconds after it leaves \(A\).
  3. Find the distance of the particle from the origin \(O\) when it is travelling in a north-westerly direction.
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ccc1db66-9700-4f22-905e-cc0bdf1fd3c1-17_2486_1709_221_153}
AQA M1 2015 June Q4
10 marks Moderate -0.8
4 A particle moves with constant acceleration between the points \(A\) and \(B\). At \(A\), it has velocity \(( 4 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). At \(B\), it has velocity \(( 7 \mathbf { i } + 6 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). It takes 10 seconds to move from \(A\) to \(B\).
  1. Find the acceleration of the particle.
  2. Find the distance between \(A\) and \(B\).
  3. Find the average velocity as the particle moves from \(A\) to \(B\).
AQA M1 2016 June Q2
3 marks Moderate -0.8
2 Three forces \(( 4 \mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N } , ( p \mathbf { i } + 5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(( - 8 \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) act on a particle of mass 5 kg to produce an acceleration of \(( 2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\). No other forces act on the particle.
  1. Find the resultant force acting on the particle in terms of \(p\) and \(q\).
  2. \(\quad\) Find \(p\) and \(q\).
  3. Given that the particle is initially at rest, find the displacement of the particle from its initial position when these forces have been acting for 4 seconds.
    [0pt] [3 marks]
AQA M1 2016 June Q4
3 marks Moderate -0.8
4 An aeroplane is flying in air that is moving due east at \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Relative to the air, the aeroplane has a velocity of \(90 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) due north. During a 20 second period, the motion of the air causes the aeroplane to move 240 metres to the east.
  1. \(\quad\) Find \(V\).
  2. Find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the aeroplane.
  3. Find the direction of the resultant velocity, giving your answer as a three-figure bearing, correct to the nearest degree.
    [0pt] [3 marks]
Edexcel M1 Q6
14 marks Standard +0.3
6. The points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(( 30 \mathbf { i } - 60 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m }\) and \(( - 20 \mathbf { i } + 60 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m }\) respectively relative to an origin \(O\), where \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular unit vectors. A cyclist, Chris, starts at \(A\) and cycles towards \(B\) with constant speed \(2.6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Another cyclist, Doug, starts at \(O\) and cycles towards \(B\) with constant speed \(k \sqrt { } 10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Show that Chris's velocity vector is \(( - \mathbf { i } + 2 \cdot 4 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find Doug's velocity vector in the form \(k ( a \mathbf { i } + b \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\). Given that Chris and Doug arrive at \(B\) at the same time,
  3. find the value of \(k\).
Edexcel M1 Q1
4 marks Moderate -0.8
  1. Three forces \(( - 5 \mathbf { i } + 4 p \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N } , ( 2 q \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(( \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) act on a particle \(A\) of mass 2 kg .
Given that \(A\) is in equilibrium, find the values of \(p\) and \(q\).
Edexcel M1 Q7
11 marks Standard +0.3
7. A particle has an initial velocity of \(( \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\) and is accelerating uniformly in the direction \(( 2 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } )\) where \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular unit vectors. Given that the magnitude of the acceleration is \(3 \sqrt { } 5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\),
  1. show that, after \(t\) seconds, the velocity vector of the particle is $$[ ( 6 t + 1 ) \mathbf { i } + ( 3 t - 5 ) \mathbf { j } ] \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }$$
  2. Using your answer to part (a), or otherwise, find the value of \(t\) for which the speed of the particle is at its minimum.
    (5 marks)
Edexcel M1 Q5
11 marks Moderate -0.3
5. The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are due east and due north respectively. At midday a motor boat \(A\) is 6 km east of a fixed origin \(O\) and is moving with constant velocity ( \({ } ^ { - } 4 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }\) ) \(\mathrm { km } \mathrm { h } ^ { - 1 }\). At the same time, another boat \(B\) is 3 km north of \(O\) and is moving with uniform velocity \(( 4 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { km } \mathrm { h } ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Show that, at time \(T\) hours after midday, the position vector of \(A\) is \([ ( 6 - 4 T ) \mathbf { i } + T \mathbf { j } ] \mathrm { km }\) and find a similar expression for the position vector of \(B\) at this time.
  2. Hence show that, at time \(T\), the position vector of \(B\) relative to \(A\) is $$[ ( 8 T - 6 ) \mathbf { i } + ( 3 - 4 T ) \mathbf { j } ] \mathrm { km }$$
  3. By using your answer to part (b), or otherwise, show that the boats would collide if they continued at the same velocities and find the time at which the collision would occur.
Edexcel M1 Q7
14 marks Standard +0.3
7. At 6 a.m. a cargo ship has position vector \(( 7 \mathbf { i } + 56 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { km }\) relative to a fixed origin \(O\) on the coast and moves with constant velocity \(( 9 \mathbf { i } - 6 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { kmh } ^ { - 1 }\). A ferry sails from \(O\) at 6 a.m. and moves with constant velocity \(( 12 \mathbf { i } + 18 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { km } \mathrm { h } ^ { - 1 }\). The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are directed due east and due north respectively.
  1. Show that the position vector of the cargo ship \(t\) hours after 6 a.m. is given by $$[ ( 7 + 9 t ) \mathbf { i } + ( 56 - 6 t ) \mathbf { j } ] \mathrm { km }$$ and find the position vector of the ferry in terms of \(t\).
  2. Show that if both vessels maintain their course and speed, they will collide and find the time and position vector at which this occurs.
    (6 marks)
    At 8 a.m. the captain of the ferry realises that a collision is imminent and changes course so that the ferry now has velocity \(( 21 \mathbf { i } + 6 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { kmh } ^ { - 1 }\).
  3. Find the distance between the two ships at the time when they would have collided.
OCR MEI M1 Q1
7 marks Moderate -0.3
1 The map of a large area of open land is marked in 1 km squares and a point near the middle of the area is defined to be the origin. The vectors \(\binom { 1 } { 0 }\) and \(\binom { 0 } { 1 }\) are in the directions east and north. At time \(t\) hours the position vectors of two hikers, Ashok and Kumar, are given by: $$\begin{array} { l l } \text { Ashok } & \mathbf { r } _ { \mathrm { A } } = \binom { - 2 } { 0 } + \binom { 8 } { 1 } t , \\ \text { Kumar } & \mathbf { r } _ { \mathrm { K } } = \binom { 7 t } { 10 - 4 t } . \end{array}$$
  1. Prove that the two hikers meet and give the coordinates of the point where this happens.
  2. Compare the speeds of the two hikers.
OCR MEI M1 Q3
18 marks Moderate -0.8
3 In this question the origin is a point on the ground. The directions of the unit vectors \(\left( \begin{array} { l } 1 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{array} \right) , \left( \begin{array} { l } 0 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { l } 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{array} \right)\) are
east, north and vertically upwards. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{cb72a1c4-f769-4348-ad7f-66c3c96e1732-3_401_686_368_721} Alesha does a sky-dive on a day when there is no wind. The dive starts when she steps out of a moving helicopter. The dive ends when she lands gently on the ground.
  • During the dive Alesha can reduce the magnitude of her acceleration in the vertical direction by spreading her arms and increasing air resistance.
  • During the dive she can use a power unit strapped to her back to give herself an acceleration in a horizontal direction.
  • Alesha's mass, including her equipment, is 100 kg .
  • Initially, her position vector is \(\left( \begin{array} { r } - 75 \\ 90 \\ 750 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { m }\) and her velocity is \(\left( \begin{array} { r } - 5 \\ 0 \\ - 10 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\).
    1. Calculate Alesha's initial speed, and the initial angle between her motion and the downward vertical.
At a certain time during the dive, forces of \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 0 \\ 0 \\ - 980 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { N } , \left( \begin{array} { r } 0 \\ 0 \\ 880 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { N }\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 50 \\ - 20 \\ 0 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { N }\) are acting on Alesha.
  • Suggest how these forces could arise.
  • Find Alesha's acceleration at this time, giving your answer in vector form, and show that, correct to 3 significant figures, its magnitude is \(1.14 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\). One suggested model for Alesha's motion is that the forces on her are constant throughout the dive from when she leaves the helicopter until she reaches the ground.
  • Find expressions for her velocity and position vector at time \(t\) seconds after the start of the dive according to this model. Verify that when \(t = 30\) she is at the origin.
  • Explain why consideration of Alesha's landing velocity shows this model to be unrealistic.
  • OCR MEI M1 Q5
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    5 In this question, positions are given relative to a fixed origin, O . The \(x\)-direction is east and the \(y\)-direction north; distances are measured in kilometres. Two boats, the Rosemary and the Sage, are having a race between two points A and B.
    The position vector of the Rosemary at time \(t\) hours after the start is given by $$\mathbf { r } = \binom { 3 } { 2 } + \binom { 6 } { 8 } t , \text { where } 0 \leqslant t \leqslant 2 .$$ The Rosemary is at point A when \(t = 0\), and at point B when \(t = 2\).
    1. Find the distance AB .
    2. Show that the Rosemary travels at constant velocity. The position vector of the Sage is given by $$\mathbf { r } = \binom { 3 ( 2 t + 1 ) } { 2 \left( 2 t ^ { 2 } + 1 \right) } .$$
    3. Plot the points A and B . Draw the paths of the two boats for \(0 \leqslant t \leqslant 2\).
    4. What can you say about the result of the race?
    5. Find the speed of the Sage when \(t = 2\). Find also the direction in which it is travelling, giving your answer as a compass bearing, to the nearest degree.
    6. Find the displacement of the Rosemary from the Sage at time \(t\) and hence calculate the greatest distance between the boats during the race.
    OCR MEI M1 Q2
    6 marks Moderate -0.5
    2 The acceleration of a particle of mass 4 kg is given by \(\mathbf { a } = ( 9 \mathbf { i } - 4 t \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { 2 }\), where \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are unit vectors and \(t\) is the time in seconds.
    1. Find the acceleration of the particle when \(t = 0\) and also when \(t = 3\).
    2. Calculate the force acting on the particle when \(t = 3\). The particle has velocity \(( 4 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } { } ^ { 1 }\) when \(t = 1\).
    3. Find an expression for the velocity of the particle at time \(t\).
    OCR MEI M1 Q1
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    1 Force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) is \(\binom { 6 } { 13 } \mathrm {~N}\) and force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is \(\binom { 3 } { 5 }\), where \({ } _ { 0 }\) and \(\binom { 0 } { 1 }\) are vectors east and north respectively.
    1. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\), correct to three significant figures.
    2. Calculate the direction of the force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } - \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) as a bearing. Force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is the resultant of all the forces acting on an object of mass 5 kg .
    3. Calculate the acceleration of the object and the change in its velocity after 10 seconds.
    OCR MEI M1 Q2
    18 marks Moderate -0.3
    2 In this question, positions are given relative to a fixed origin, O. The \(x\)-direction is east and the \(y\)-direction north; distances are measured in kilometres. Two boats, the Rosemary and the Sage, are having a race between two points A and B.
    The position vector of the Rosemary at time \(t\) hours after the start is given by $$\mathbf { r } = \binom { 3 } { 2 } + \binom { 6 } { 8 } t , \text { where } 0 \leqslant t \leqslant 2 .$$ The Rosemary is at point A when \(t = 0\), and at point B when \(t = 2\).
    1. Find the distance AB .
    2. Show that the Rosemary travels at constant velocity. The position vector of the Sage is given by $$\mathbf { r } = \binom { 3 ( 2 t + 1 ) } { 2 \left( 2 t ^ { 2 } + 1 \right) }$$
    3. Plot the points A and B . Draw the paths of the two boats for \(0 \leqslant t \leqslant 2\).
    4. What can you say about the result of the race?
    5. Find the speed of the Sage when \(t = 2\). Find also the direction in which it is travelling, giving your answer as a compass bearing, to the nearest degree.
    6. Find the displacement of the Rosemary from the Sage at time \(t\) and hence calculate the greatest distance between the boats during the race.
    OCR MEI M1 Q1
    3 marks Easy -1.3
    1 The vectors \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) are given by $$\mathbf { P } = 5 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } , \quad \mathbf { Q } = 3 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } , \quad \mathbf { R } = - 8 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }$$
    1. Find the vector \(\mathbf { P } + \mathbf { Q } + \mathbf { R }\).
    2. Interpret your answer to part (i) in the cases
      (A) \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) represent three forces acting on a particle,
      (B) \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) represent three stages of a hiker's walk.
    OCR MEI M1 Q2
    3 marks Easy -1.3
    2 The vectors \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) are given by $$\mathbf { P } = 5 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } , \quad \mathbf { Q } = 3 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } , \quad \mathbf { R } = - 8 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }$$
    1. Find the vector \(\mathbf { P } + \mathbf { Q } + \mathbf { R }\).
    2. Interpret your answer to part (i) in the cases
      (A) \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) represent three forces acting on a particle,
      (B) \(\mathbf { P } , \mathbf { Q }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) represent three stages of a hiker's walk.
    OCR MEI M1 Q3
    6 marks Moderate -0.3
    3 In this question the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are pointing east and north respectively.
    1. Calculate the bearing of the vector \(- 4 \mathbf { i } - 6 \mathbf { j }\). The vector \(- 4 \mathbf { i } - 6 \mathbf { j } + k ( 3 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } )\) is in the direction \(7 \mathbf { i } - 9 \mathbf { j }\).
    2. Find \(k\).
    OCR MEI M1 Q4
    7 marks Moderate -0.8
    4 A small box has weight \(\mathbf { W } \mathrm { N }\) and is held in equilibrium by two strings with tensions \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 } \mathrm {~N}\) and \(\mathbf { T } _ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\). This situation is shown in Fig. 2 which also shows the standard unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) that are horizontal and vertically upwards, respectively. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b80eced6-2fea-4b95-9104-d13339643df0-2_252_631_414_803} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure} The tension \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) is \(10 \mathbf { i } + 24 \mathbf { j }\).
    1. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) and the angle between \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) and the vertical. The magnitude of the weight is \(w \mathrm {~N}\).
    2. Write down the vector \(\mathbf { W }\) in terms of \(w\) and \(\mathbf { j }\). The tension \(\mathbf { T } _ { 2 }\) is \(k \mathbf { i } + 10 \mathbf { j }\), where \(k\) is a scalar.
    3. Find the values of \(k\) and of \(w\).
    OCR MEI M1 Q5
    6 marks Moderate -0.8
    5 A particle has a position vector \(\mathbf { r }\), where \(\mathbf { r } = 4 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j }\) and \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are unit vectors in the directions east and north respectively.
    1. Sketch \(\mathbf { r }\) on a diagram showing \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) and the origin O .
    2. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { r }\) and its direction as a bearing.
    3. Write down the vector that has the same direction as \(\mathbf { r }\) and three times its magnitude.
    OCR MEI M1 Q6
    8 marks Moderate -0.3
    6 Force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) is \(\binom { 6 } { 13 } \mathrm {~N}\) and force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is \(\binom { 3 } { 5 }\), where \(\left. \int _ { 0 } \right] _ { \text {and } } \binom { 0 } { 1 }\) are vectors east and north respectively.
    1. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\), correct to three significant figures.
    2. Calculate the direction of the force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } - \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) as a bearing. Force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is the resultant of all the forces acting on an object of mass 5 kg .
    3. Calculate the acceleration of the object and the change in its velocity after 10 seconds.
    OCR MEI M1 Q1
    6 marks Moderate -0.8
    1 A particle rests on a smooth, horizontal plane. Horizontal unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) lie in this plane. The particle is in equilibrium under the action of the three forces \(( - 3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(( 21 \mathbf { i } - 7 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(\mathbf { R N }\).
    1. Write down an expression for \(\mathbf { R }\) in terms of \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\).
    2. Find the magnitude of \(\mathbf { R }\) and the angle between \(\mathbf { R }\) and the \(\mathbf { i }\) direction.