Vectors
Where vectors show up in real life
5 live exhibits. Each one already works. Change a number and see what happens.
Open as board Play with these together. Solving one grows related exhibits.
VectorsCrossing a river: where you aim vs. where you end up
Your speed and the current add as arrows. Aim straight across and you drift; aim upstream and you can land right on target.
VectorsHanging a hammock: why the 30° rule works
Your weight and the two strap pulls are arrows that must add to zero. Hang it tight and flat, and each strap pulls with several times your weight.
VectorsCrosswind landing: splitting the wind into two parts
Pilots break the wind into “along the runway” and “across it.” That’s vector math at 60 knots.
VectorsE6B wind triangle: heading and groundspeed
Point the nose into the wind just enough to track your course. Three vectors, one triangle.
VectorsSolar panel tilt: how much sunlight it catches
Point one arrow at the sun and one straight out of the panel. Their dot product is the share of full sunlight the panel gets.