Vector diagrams

Vector diagrams

Auto-markingPencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about using vectors to describe motion and direction. 

Question

blowing a table tennis ball
When Josh blew on a table tennis ball it travelled at 8 metres per second. When Lisa blew on the ball it travelled at 9 metres per second.
Josh and Lisa then blew on the same ball, at the same time, but from opposite directions.
What happened to the ball?

    • It went away from Josh at 1 metre per second.

    • It went away from Josh at 17 metres per second.

    • It went towards Josh at 1 metre per second.

    • It went towards Josh at 17 metres per second.

    • It did not move.

Question

diagram of a plane flying
An aeroplane is flying east at 300 kilometres per hour. A strong wind is blowing from the north at 100 kilometres per hour.
Which vector diagram correctly shows the velocities of the plane and the wind, and the resulting velocity of the plane?

Question

Compass
Tiana was swimming in the moana at 30 metres per minute towards the west. A current of 40 metres per minute suddenly tried to pull her north.
Which vector diagram correctly shows the velocities of Tiana swimming and the current, and the resultant velocity Tiana travels?

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Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online with automarking.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Position and orientation
Keywords: 
vectors
Description of task: 
Students use vectors and select correct vector diagrams for practical problems.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Geometric thinking, set 6
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (09/1998)
a) C easy
b) D difficult
c) E difficult