Scribd
Upload
4 views4 pages

Introduction To Vectors

Uploaded by

alshaheenjana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views4 pages

Introduction To Vectors

Uploaded by

alshaheenjana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Introduction to Vectors Jana Alfodari

Definition of a vector

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

The length is the magnitude of the vector, and the arrow indicates the direction. The direction of the
vector is from its tail to its head.

Examples: Two examples of vectors are those that represent force and velocity. Both force and velocity
are in a particular direction. The magnitude of the vector would indicate the strength of the force, or the
speed associated with the velocity.

Representation of Vectors
Vectors are usually represented in bold lowercase such as a or using an arrow over the letter a
Victors can also be denoted by their initial and terminal points with an arrow above them,
for example, vector AB can be denoted as AB

We use angles to precisely specify the direction of


a vector
Properties of vectors:
1. Two vectors are the same if they have the same magnitude and direction.
2. Vectors can be moved parallel to themselves.
3. Multiplying or dividing vectors by scalars results in vectors.

4. A resultant vector represents the sum of two or more vectors.


Vectors can be added graphically:
A. One vector can be drawn with its tail starting at the tip of the other as long as the size and
direction of each vector do not change.
B. The resultant vector can then be drawn from the tail of the first vector to the tip of the last vector.

5. Vectors can be added in any order


A+ B = B+A

6. Vector subtraction is the difference of two vectors, A – B. It is dealt with


by considering the following mathematical ‘trick’:
A - B = A + (-B)
Thus, vector subtraction can be represented as a vector addition.
Answer the following questions:
1. Label the following quantities as vectors or scalar:

a. 5m ……scalar ……………
b. 30 m/sec, East ……vector ……………
c. 5 mi., North ………scalar ………….
d. 20 degrees Celsius ………… scalar ………
e. 256 bytes ……… scalar …………
f. 4000 Calories ……… scalar …………

2. The sum of vectors is called resultant: The resultant is drawn from the tail of the first vector to the
head of the last vector. Look at the following graphs of the sum of and vectors and identify
which resultants (the blue vectors) are correct and which are incorrect.

a) b) c) d)

e) f) g) h)

3. Open the Following link: Name That Vector


Complete the interactive and upload a screen shot of your result screen. (contains 12 golden stars)
4. In the lower boxes, show the tip-to-tail method of vector addition and the resultant vector
for each set of vectors in the upper boxes. Remember, you can move vectors parallel to
themselves and add vectors use the tail and head method.

b)
a) c) d)

Resultant: Resultant: Resultant: Resultant:

You might also like