Free worksheet and solutions · AQA A Level · 7408

Trigonometry and Vectors for Physics Worksheet

A-level physics trigonometry and vectors worksheet with answers. Resolve forces, draw vector triangles and calculate cable tensions and work on an inclined rail.

Module / section
Mathematical skills
Topic
Trigonometry and vectors
Preview of Trigonometry and Vectors for Physics Worksheet

What is covered

Questions and skills covered

The worksheet contains 6 pages of printable questions. A separate 6-page solutions PDF makes it easy to mark, review or share answers after the activity.

  • Adjacent and opposite components for angles from different axes
  • Signed components and kN-to-N conversion
  • Free-body diagrams and inverse-trig angle recovery
  • Pythagorean component identity
  • Head-to-tail scale construction for oblique forces
  • Magnitude and direction from two perpendicular components
  • Three-force equilibrium with unequal cable angles
  • Simultaneous component balances and checking both axes
  • Cable working-tension selection
  • Weight and pull components relative to an inclined rail
  • Normal reaction reduced by an outward pull component
  • Work by a force inclined to displacement
  • Inverse-tangent quadrant checks
  • Distinguishing a force from its components and scalar energy

About this activity

An inspection team positions a pod and a platform using support cables, and moves a separate carriage along an inclined access rail.

Before you start

Right-triangle trigonometry and inverse functions; Force, weight, translational equilibrium and work; Pythagoras, signed axes and basic equation rearrangement

Specification fit

This shared PDF includes the applicable boards’ references and a board-neutral footer. Choose an eligible course below and check the scope before assigning it.

  • AQA A Level 7408 · Mathematical skills · 3.4.1.1, 3.4.1.7
  • OCR A A Level H556 · Mathematical skills · 2.3.1(a), 2.3.1(b), 2.3.1(c), 2.3.1(d), 3.2.1(c), 3.2.1(d), 3.2.1(e), 3.2.3(f), 3.3.1(a), 3.3.1(b)

AQA A Level Physics Worksheets
7408 · 3.4.1.1, 3.4.1.7

Choose the correct pathway: Guided mathematical skills through separate inspection-team configurations. Signed components, angle choice, inverse trigonometry, pupil scale construction, three-force ring equilibrium and work by an angled pull. Oblique addition uses a scale drawing; the numerical resultant check starts from supplied perpendicular components, respecting the AQA calculation boundary. The platform load is transmitted as one force on the ring. Shared A-level pair only; no automatic AS/GCSE route, required-practical tag, two-dimensional collision, moment or complete mechanics-coverage claim.

Classroom use

Use the worksheet for class practice, homework, intervention, cover work or revision. Keep the PhysicsUK attribution intact when sharing copies with pupils.

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