3506FETQR

Introductory Foundation Physics

Lecture 4

Scalars and Vectors

By
Dr. Vida Zadeh
Standard units
1 AU = 150 million kilometres (= 93 million miles)
Å = 10-10 m
eV = 1.60 × 10−19 J

Light years

One light year is the distance travelled by light in one Earth year
Speed = distance / time
Distance = speed x time
Speed = 3 x 108 m/s
One year = 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 seconds
One light year = 3 x 108 x 356 x 24 x 60 x 60 = 9.46 x 1012 km ( 9.46 trillion km = 5.88 trillion miles)
Objectives:-

What are Scalars and What are Vectors

 Scalars and Vectors

• Edexcel AS/A level Physics – 1

• Topic 2.1-7 page 32 – Resolving Vectors
Scalars & Vectors
 Scalars and Vectors
Scalars & Vectors
• When we add scalar
quantities, we add as we
do with everyday
transactions, e.g. money

• With vector quantities,

we have to consider the
impact of the direction.
 Scalars and Vectors
Many physical quantities can be completely specified by their magnitude alone.
(Pressure, speed, temperature, volume. etc.)
Such quantities are called scalars.

Another physically important class of quantities is that of vectors, which have direction
as well as magnitude.
For example, we can say that the university is only 2 miles from your accommodation,
we have not completely specified its location, unless we state its direction from where
you live, i.e. North, South, East or West.

The distance and direction together, constitute a vector, called the displacement.

Many other physical quantities are vectors. In addition to displacement, these include
velocity, acceleration, force, momentum.

A vector in books tend to appear as bold face type 𝐀 , whereas in written work,
vectors appear as a 𝐀ഥ .
 Scalars and Vectors
In diagrams, we frequently use an arrow to represent a vector
The arrow is drawn so that it points in the direction of the vector
and so that its length is proportional to the magnitude
of the vector.

For instance, we may represent a displacement of 5 km East by an

arrow, 25 mm long.

To represent a displacement of 3 km East, we would draw a second

arrow parallel to the first, but shorter. In a
ratio of 3 : 5, or 15 mm long.

A vector representing 5 km North, is directed 90° from a vector

representing 5 km East.

Because a vector is denoted by its length and direction, it remains the

same vector, when translated to a new starting point.
 Scalars and Vectors - (Vector Addition)
Addition of scalars uses just simple maths: 3 kg + 5 kg = 8 kg

However, the addition of vectors is different, as it must take into account its
direction.
Suppose, we add the following to displacements, 4 km North and 3 km
East. How far are we from our starting point and in
what direction?
The displacement North is represented by the
vector 𝐴ҧ and the East displacement is represented
ത
by the vector 𝐵.
However, a more direct route would have been to
reach the point would have been along the
displacement 𝐶.ҧ
The length of this vector measures 5 km and has a
direction of 36.9° East of North.
The distance and angle may be determined, by
calculating with geometry and trigonometry.
 Scalars and Vectors - (Vector Addition)

Q1
55 m
90° Q2
20 m a

8 km
90° 30°
a

Find ‘a’ for both questions ?

 Scalars and Vectors
Whether you take the indirect route 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵ത or the direct route 𝐶ҧ , you end up
in the same place.

Thus, the displacement represented by the sum of the two vectors 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵ത equals
the displacement represented by the vector 𝐶ҧ

ഥ+ 𝑩
𝑨 ഥ
ഥ= 𝑪

We say, that we have added the two vectors 𝐴ҧ and 𝐵ത to get the resultant vector 𝐶ҧ
Scalars & Vectors - (How to represent vectors)
In general, to add two vectors graphically, make a scale drawing and place the vectors
“head to tail”; that is with the tail (origin) of the second vector, starting from the head
(end point) of the first vector.

Then, draw the resultant vector from the origin of the first vector to the end
point of the second vector.

Finally, measure the length (magnitude) and direction of the

resultant vector, directly from the scale drawing.

Alternatively, you can calculate the magnitude using

trigonometry.

Vectors maybe moved (translated) without changing their value,

so long as their direction and are not changed.

ഥ are identical (translated), 𝐵ത 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵‘

Vectors 𝐴ҧ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴′ ത are identical and 𝐶ҧ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶‘ҧ are
identical, in both magnitude and direction.
 Scalars & Vectors
To add more than two vectors, we repeat the rule by adding
successive vectors head to tail.

If we wish to add three vectors 𝐴,ҧ 𝐵ത and 𝐶ҧ :-

we first add 𝐴ҧ and 𝐵ത to get resultant 𝐷
ഥ

Then, we add 𝐶ҧ to 𝐷
ഥ to get 𝐸ത

Additional vectors could also

be added, one at a time

It is not necessary to draw the intermediate sum

ഥ . You may add 𝐶ҧ , by placing it next to 𝐵ത as shown
𝐷
 Scalars & Vectors
Vectors may also be subtracted
ഥ , the negative of vector 𝐀
To subtract vectors, we introduce the idea of - 𝐀 ഥ
By this, we mean a vector of the same magnitude and parallel to A , but points
in the opposite direction.
ഥ − 𝐁
The subtraction of one vector from another 𝐀 ഥ = 𝐂ത can be considered as
ഥ + −𝑩
the addition of 𝑨 ഥ = 𝑪 ഥ

The result of multiplying a vector by a scalar, is another vector.

The vector 2𝑨ഥ , is a vector having a magnitude twice as great as A and pointing
in the same direction.
The vector -2A , is also twice as great as A, but points in
the opposite direction.
The magnitude of a vector is represented by 𝐀
The magnitude of a vector quantity, is a scalar and
is always positive.
 Resolution of Vectors
It is often useful to think of a vector, as the sum of two or three other vectors.

We call these other vectors components and they are especially convenient when we
choose components at right angles to each other.

In two dimensions, we frequently choose these component vectors, to lie along the 𝑥 and
𝑦 axes (Cartesian co-ordinate system).
We can construct two component vectors, by drawing dashed lines from the end of 𝑨 ഥ
perpendicular to the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes.
ഥ
The two vectors that lie along the 𝑥 and 𝑦 directions, add to form 𝑨
When we find the magnitude of these two vectors,
ഥ into
we say that we have resolved the vector 𝑨
its 𝑥 and 𝑦 components.

Question:
If A = 45 m and θ = 25° :- what is magnitude of 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦 ?
 Resolution of Vectors
Since the known vector and its component vectors form a right angle triangle, we may use
simple trigonometry, to resolve the vector into its components.

This is why components at right angles are particularly convenient.

Thus, for the vector of magnitude 𝑨 that makes an angle 𝜃 with the 𝑥 axis, the
component 𝐴𝑥 along the 𝒙 direction and the component 𝐴𝑦 along the 𝒚 direction are
given by:-
𝑨𝒙 = 𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽

𝑨𝒚 = 𝑨 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
If we know the components 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦 of a vector, then we can obtain the
magnitude and direction of the vector by 𝟐
applying trigonometry. 𝑨 𝟐 = 𝑨𝒙 𝟐 + 𝑨𝒚
The magnitude 𝑨 of the vector 𝐴ҧ is computed
from the Pythagorus theorem as:- 𝑨𝒚
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜽 =
𝑨𝒙
 Scalars & Vectors
A𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 two vectors 𝐴ҧ and 𝐵ത to form a new vector 𝐶ҧ

We add the 𝑥 components to form 𝐶𝑥 and the 𝑦 components to form 𝐶𝑦

Since the 𝑥 component of 𝐵ത is directed along the positive direction, so
the 𝑥 component of 𝐶ҧ is more than 𝐴𝑥
 Scalars & Vectors
A𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 two vectors 𝐴ҧ and 𝐵ത to form a new vector 𝐶ҧ

We add the 𝑥 components to form 𝐶𝑥 and the 𝑦 components to form 𝐶𝑦

Since the 𝑥 component of 𝐵ത is directed along the negative direction, so
the 𝑥 component of 𝐶ҧ is less than 𝐴𝑥

-
 Adding vectors by summing components

Vector 𝐴ҧ has length of 14 cm at 60⁰ The components of the vectors are:

with respect to the 𝑥 axis and vector
𝐵ത has a length of 20 cm at 20⁰ with
respect to the 𝑥 axis.

Add the vectors, by first resolving them

into components and then adding
components.

ഥ 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽𝑨
𝑨𝒙 = 𝑨 𝑨𝒚 =𝑨ഥ 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽𝑨
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟏𝟒 𝒄𝒎 × 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟔𝟎𝒐 𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟒 𝒄𝒎 × 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟔𝟎𝒐
𝑨𝒙 = 𝟏𝟒 𝒄𝒎 × 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎 = 𝟕. 𝟎𝟎 𝒄𝒎 𝑨𝒚 = 𝟏𝟒 𝐜𝐦 × 𝟎. 𝟖𝟔𝟔 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟏𝟐 𝒄𝒎
𝑩𝒙 = 𝐁 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽𝑩 𝑩𝒚 = 𝑩 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽𝑩
𝑩𝒙 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒄𝒎 × 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝟎° = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟖𝟎 𝒄𝒎 𝑩𝒚 = 𝟐𝟎 𝐜𝐦 × 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟐 = 𝟔. 𝟖𝟒 𝒄𝒎
 Adding vectors by summing components

ഥ= 𝑨
𝑪 ഥ+ 𝑩
ഥ

𝑪𝒙 = 𝑨𝒙 + 𝑩𝒙 = 𝟐𝟓. 𝟖𝟎 𝒄𝒎

𝑪𝒚 = 𝑨𝒚 + 𝑩𝒚 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟗𝟔 𝒄𝒎

ഥ is then found from

The magnitude of 𝑪
the Pythagorus theorem as 𝑪 = 𝑪𝟐𝒙 + 𝑪𝟐𝒚

𝑪 = 𝟐𝟓. 𝟖𝟎 𝒄𝒎 𝟐 + 𝟏𝟖. 𝟗𝟔 𝒄𝒎 𝟐 = 32 cm
The angle of 𝑪ഥ with respect to the 𝒙 axis is given by
𝑪𝒚 𝟏𝟖.𝟗𝟔
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 = = = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟑𝟓 𝜽 = 𝟑𝟔°
𝑪𝒙 𝟐𝟓.𝟖𝟎

Note: we carried out all the computation before rounding off the answer to two significant figures
 Adding vectors by summing components
Flying in a cross-wind

A small airplane flies with a speed

relative to the ground (ground
speed) of 200 𝑘𝑚Τℎ in
a direction 18° to the East of North.

If the plane is headed due North and

the deviation from that direction, is
actually due to a cross-wind blowing
from West to East.

What is the speed of the wind?

Adding vectors by summing components

𝒗𝒘 = 𝒗 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽

𝒗𝒘 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒎Τ𝒉 × 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟖𝒐

𝒗𝒘 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝒎Τ𝒉 × 𝟎. 𝟑𝟎𝟗

𝒗𝒘 = 𝟔𝟏. 𝟖 𝒌𝒎Τ𝒉
 Example
A plane flies South West from Newcastle upon
Tyne for 120 km, then South for another 80
km to land at Liverpool.

What is the distance and bearing of Liverpool

from Newcastle upon Tyne?
 Solution
First path: 120 km SW

Distance West = 120 cos 45°

= 120 x 0.707
= 84.84 km N
θ
Distance South = 120 sin 45°
= 120 x 0.707
= 84.84 km

Second path: 80 km S
2nd 80 km
Distance South = 80 km

So, Total distance West = 84.84 km

Total distance South = 84.84 + 80 = 164.84 km L
 Solution
L2 = 164.842 + 84.842
L = √34,370
L = 185.39 = 185 km N
θ
Let θ = 180° + φ
tan φ = 84.82/164.84 = 0.5147 φ
φ = tan-1 (0.5147)
φ = 27.23°
80 km
θ =180° + 27.23° = 207.23°

Therefore:-
L
θ = 207° is the bearing of Liverpool from
Newcastle
 Questions
1) A rabbit runs 570 m East and then 890 m North. How far is the rabbit from
its starting place and on what bearing?
2) An aeroplane flies 580 km West, then 485 km North. How far is it from its
starting place, and on what bearing?
3) An aeroplane flies 600 km North, then 400 km West, then 230 km North.
How far is it from its starting place, and on what bearing?
4) A bird flies 12 km at a bearing of 38° relative to North. Find out how far the
bird has flown towards the East and how far towards the North.
5) A cyclist cycles 1.8 km up a hill with a gradient of 15°. How far has the
cyclist moved vertically and how far horizontally?
6) A fish swims across a stream, and travels 8.4 m at an angle of 18° to the
bank. How far has the fish moved along the stream and across the stream?
7) An aeroplane flies 290 km on a bearing of 65°, then 470 km on a bearing of
240°. How far South and how far West has it travelled overall?
 Questions
8) A sledge travels 920 m down a slope of gradient 7°, then 540 m down a slope of
gradient 23°. How far has the sledge travelled horizontally and how far vertically?

9) A fish swims 1.6 km at a bearing of 47°, then 2.6 km at a bearing of 58°. How far North
and how far East has the fish travelled overall?

10) For questions 7, 8, and 9, find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

11) Two forces act horizontally on a box. One is of 27 kN and one is of 36 kN at an angle of
24° to the first force. What is the magnitude and direction of the resultant force, relative
to the first force?
 Answers

1) 1057 m, 32.6° 8) 1410 m horizontally, 323 m vertically

2) 756 km, 310° 9) 2.5 km North, 3.4 km East
3) 921 km, 334° 10) 182 km, 232°; 1447 m, 13°; 4.2 km, 54°
4) 9.5 km North, 7.4 km East 11) 62 kN, 14°
5) 1.7 km horizontally, 0.5 km vertically
6) 7.99 m along, 2.60 m across
7) 112 km South, 144 km West
What did we learn today?

What are Scalars and What are Vectors