K.

Gooniah Physics – SC

Scalars and vectors

A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has magnitude only. They can be added, subtracted, multiplied
and divided by normal arithmetic.

A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. They must be added by
vector methods.

Scalar Vector
Length Displacement
Speed Velocity
Time Acceleration
Mass Force
Energy Weight
Temperature Moment
Density
Pressure
Power
Charge
Potential difference
Frequency
Current

Vector addition
The sum of two vectors is called resultant.
The resultant of two vectors can be determined by two methods:
1. Calculations
2. Scale diagram

Calculation

The direction of the individual vectors must always be considered to find the resultant.

Orientation Vector diagram Resultant

Parallel 7 N to the right

Anti-parallel 1 N to the left

1
K.Gooniah Physics – SC

=
R A2 + B 2
opp opp adj
tan θ = or sin θ = or cos θ =
adj hyp hyp

R= 62 + 82 = 10N

opp
tan θ =
adj
Right angle 1 6
θ tan −=
= 36.9°
8

Resultant = 10 N at 36.9o to the horizontal

Scale drawing

Two vectors that are at some angle to each other can be added by scale drawing. This method is better
understood through examples:

Ex 1:
Two forces 60 N and 45 N acts in perpendicular directions on a mass. Determine size (magnitude) and
direction of the resultant force acting on the mass by scale drawing. State the scale of your diagram.
[1 cm : 5 N]

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K.Gooniah Physics – SC

Ex 2:
A journey consists of two displacements: the first 700 m in a southerly direction and 300 m in the westerly
direction. Determine size (magnitude) and direction of the resultant displacement by scale drawing. State the
scale of your diagram. [1 cm : 50 m]

Ex 3:
A box has a weight W of 7 N. It is suspended from wire X and wire Y. The tension T on wire Y is 9 N.

Determine size (magnitude) and direction of the resultant of W and T by scale drawing. State the scale of
your diagram. State the tension on wire X. [1 cm : 1 N]

Ex 4:
Two forces act at angle of 60o to each other on a box. Determine size (magnitude) and direction of the
resultant force acting on the mass by scale drawing. State the scale of your diagram. [1 cm : 2 N]

Ex 5:
A cart is pulled by two horses as shown below. Determine size (magnitude) and direction of the resultant
force by scale drawing. State the scale of your diagram. [1 cm : 1000 N]