VECTORS

A vector is represented
by an arrow
The length represents
the magnitude.
1cm = 1metre

The length represents

the magnitude.
The vector is drawn to
scale
 N
1cm = 1metre

The direction can

be represented
by a compass

Or by axes
VECTORS CAN BE ADDED

B
VECTORS CAN BE ADDED

B
A

A+B
VECTORS CAN BE ADDED

B
VECTORS CAN BE ADDED

B+A
A
B

(A + B )= (B + A)
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

B
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

A
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

-B
A-B

A
VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

B A
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

B
B-A

-A
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED
-B
A-B
B
B-A
A
-A
 VECTORS CAN BE SUBTRACTED

B-A (B – A) = (A – B)

A-B
 1 CM = 2 SQUARES
N

A
Determine the magnitude and direction of the
resultant vector
1 CM = 2 SQUARES
N

R = 3 +42 2
B
R=5 tanӨ = 4/3
Ө = 53o
Ө

A
 B

A
WHEN A AND B ADD TO GIVE A THIRD VECTOR, R
A AND B ARE SAID TO BE COMPONENTS OF R
RELATIVE VELOCITY

THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE FRAME OF

REFERENCE

ALL VELOCITIES ARE RELATIVE TO THE

OBSERVER

THE SPEED OF LIGHT IS ALWAYS

CONSTANT
 REFERENCE FRAMES
Any measurement of position, distance, or
speed must be made with respect to a
reference frame.
For example, if you are sitting on a train and someone
walks down the aisle, their speed with respect to the
train is a few miles per hour, at most. Their speed with
respect to the ground is much higher.
REFERENCE FRAMES AND DISPLACEMENT
We make a distinction between distance and
displacement.
Displacement (blue line) is how far the object is
from its starting point, regardless of how it got
there.
Distance travelled (dashed line) is measured
along the actual path.
REFERENCE FRAMES AND DISPLACEMENT

THE DISPLACEMENT IS WRITTEN:

Left: Right:
Displacement is positive. Displacement is negative.
WHAT IS THE RELATIVE VELOCITY OF
TWO CARS APPROACHING EACH
OTHER WITH SPEEDS OF 20 MS-1 AND
30 MS-1?

V = 20 MS-1 V = 30MS-1
If vb = 2m/s and vw = 3m/s calculate v