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Chapter 3 discusses vectors and scalars, defining vectors as quantities with both magnitude and direction, while scalars have only magnitude. It covers how to add vectors geometrically, find their components, and the concept of unit vectors. Additionally, it explains the multiplication of vectors by scalars and the scalar and vector products, emphasizing the independence of vector relations from the coordinate system used.

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2 views

ch03

Chapter 3 discusses vectors and scalars, defining vectors as quantities with both magnitude and direction, while scalars have only magnitude. It covers how to add vectors geometrically, find their components, and the concept of unit vectors. Additionally, it explains the multiplication of vectors by scalars and the scalar and vector products, emphasizing the independence of vector relations from the coordinate system used.

Uploaded by

jakekim9662
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 3

Vectors
3.2 Vectors and Scalars

Vectors
• Quantities which indicate both magnitude
and direction
• Examples: displacement, velocity,
acceleration
Scalars
• Quantities which indicate only magnitude
• Examples: Time, speed, temperature,
distance
3.2 Vectors and Scalars

Arrows are used to represent vectors.


Ø The length of the arrow signifies magnitude
Ø The head of the arrow signifies direction

Sometimes the vectors are represented by bold lettering,


such as vector a. Sometimes they are represented with
!
arrows on the top, such as a
3.3 Adding vectors geometrically

Vector a and vector b can be added geometrically to yield the


resultant vector sum, c.

Place the second vector, b,


with its tail touching the head of
the first vector, a.

The vector sum, s, is the vector joining


the tail of a to the head of b.
3.3 Adding vectors geometrically

Some rules:

TMI For advanced students

Vector space is an Abelian group for addition


3.3 Adding vectors…sample problem
3.4 Components of vectors
The component of a vector along an axis is the projection of the vector
onto that axis.

The process of finding the components of a vector is called resolution


of the vector.

In 3-dimensions, there are three components of a vector along pre-


defined x-, y-, and z-axes.
3.4 Components of vectors

We find the components of a vector by using the right triangle rules.


Example, vectors:
3.4: Problem Solving Check-points

Angles measured Check if the angles are


Use definitions of trig measured
counterclockwise will
functions and inverse counterclockwise from
be considered positive,
trig functions to find the positive direction of
and clockwise negative.
components. the x-axis, in which case
Change the units of the the angles will be
Check calculator results.
angles to be consistent. positive.
3.5: Unit vectors

A unit vector is a vector of unit


magnitude, pointing in a particular
direction.

Unit vectors pointing in the x-, y-,


and z-axes are usually designated by

iˆ, ˆj , kˆ respectively

!
Therefore vector, a,
with components ax and ay in the x-
and y-directions,
can be written in terms of the
!
following vector sum: a = a iˆ + a ˆjx y
3.6: Adding vectors by components

If

then

Therefore, two vectors must be equal if their corresponding


components are equal.

The procedure of adding vectors also applies to vector


subtraction.

Therefore,

where
Example, vector addition:
Example, vector addition:
Note:
3.7: Vectors and the Laws of Physics
Freedom of choosing a coordinate system

Relations among vectors do


not depend on the origin or
the orientation of the axes.

Relations in physics are


also independent of the
choice of the coordinate
system.
3.8: Multiplying vectors

A. Multiplying a vector by a scalar

Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes


the magnitude but not the direction:
! !
a x s = sa
3.8: Multiplying vectors

B. Multiplying a vector by a vector: Scalar (Dot) Product

The scalar product between


two vectors is written as:

It is defined as:

Here, a and b are the


magnitudes of vectors a
and b respectively, and
f is the angle between
the two vectors.
The right hand side is a
scalar quantity.
3.8: Multiplying vectors

C. Multiplying a vector with a vector: Vector (Cross) Product


The vector product between The right-hand rule allows us to find the
direction of vector c.
two vectors a and b can be
written as:

The result is a new vector c,


which is:

Here a and b are the


magnitudes of vectors a
and b respectively, and f
is the smaller of the two
angles between a and b
vectors.
3.8: Multiplying vectors; vector product in unit-vector notation:

Note that:

And,
Sample problem, vector product
Sample problem, vector product, unit vector notation

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