Vector Subtraction Physics Simulation

Method: v1 − v2 = v1 + (−v2), so flip v2 to get −v2 and then use vector addition.

Vector Subtraction, Vector Addition, and Component Method Physics Simulation

This free interactive 3D physics simulation helps students learn vector subtraction by rewriting subtraction as vector addition. Students adjust magnitudes and angles for two vectors and observe the original vectors, the negative vector, and the resultant vector. The simulation supports geometric method, parallelogram-style construction, component method, vector components, vector magnitude, direction angle, and resultant vector calculation.

Vector 1

Magnitude:
Angle (° from +x):
Vector 2

Magnitude:
Angle (° from +x):

Opposite Vector = −v₂
Resultant Vector = v₁ − v₂

Component Method

Geometric Method