General Physics 1 Page 1 of 15

Vector

Topic: VECTOR

Do you find Module 1 interesting and enjoyable?

For sure you will experience another enjoyable and a more
challenging lesson today. This is about addition and subtraction of
vectors. This module on vector will excite you on how to add and
subtract vectors graphically and analytically.

I. INTRODUCTION:

This module will guide you to acquire knowledge and understanding of how vectors are added and subtracted.
Vector, in physics, is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is typically represented by an arrow
whose direction is the same as that of the quantity and whose length is proportional to the quantity's magnitude.
Vector quantities are important in the study of motion. Some examples of vector quantities include force,
velocity, acceleration, displacement, and momentum.

II. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Differentiate vector and scalar quantities
2. Perform addition of vectors
3. Rewrite a vector component form
4. Calculate directions and magnitudes of vectors
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Vector

III. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES

Before you proceed to the main lesson, test yourself in this activity.

Figure out the CORRECT WORD by arranging the jumbled letters:.

1. EORVCT
2. UDAGMNITE
3. CTIRDEION
4. ENONCOMPT
5. TANGENT

5. TANGET 4. COMPONENT 3. DIRECTION 2. MAGNITUDE 1. VECTOR

Wow thank GOD for Physics! Vector concepts improve the way
we live in a tremendous ways!

GREAT!!!
You may now proceed to the main lesson.
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Vector

IV. LESSON PROPER

LET’S BEGIN!

Based on the preliminary activities, what did you notice about it?
________________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
You may now proceed to the lesson.

4.1 Difference between scalar and vector quantities

What is vector quantity? What is scalar quantity? Let’s find it out.
That a quantity which does not depend on direction is called a scalar quantity?
That vector quantities have two characteristics, a magnitude and a direction?

Source. http://msqphysics011.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_20.html
https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/vector-quantities-hsn.vm1.html

Mass is a scalar quantity. It is the quantity of matter contained in the body. It has magnitude only.
Weight is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude and downward direction (the gravitational pull of the earth
on the body). W = mass x gravity and g = 9.8 m/s2
Therefore, we can deduced that scalar quantities are quantities that have magnitude only. Vector quantities
are quantities that have magnitude and direction. Direction can be represented by arrow.

4.2 Perform addition of vectors

Shown below are strategies in solving problems on vector addition and

subtraction. Simple mathematical addition and subtraction can be applied.
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Vector

Addition and Subtraction of Vectors

Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resultant_force

The two methods that will be discussed in this module and used throughout the entire unit are:
 the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric methods.
 the head-to-tail method using a scaled vector diagram.

4.3 Rewrite vector into component form

Components of Vector In physics, when you break a vector into its parts, those
parts are called its components.The two components of a
vector are:
1. vertical component
2. horizontal component

A number of vectors acting together can be combined to give a single vector (the resultant).
In much the same way a single vector can be broken down into a number of vectors which when added give
that original vector. These vectors which sum to the original are called components of the original vector. The
process of breaking a vector into its components is called resolving into components.

4.4 Calculate directions and magnitudes of vectors

The head-to-tail method using a scaled vector diagram.
Key Points to Remember
1. To add vectors, lay the first one on a set of axes with its tail at the origin. ...
2. To subtract vectors, proceed as if adding the two vectors, but flip
the vector to be subtracted across the axes and then join it tail to head as
if adding.
3. Adding or subtracting any number of vectors yields a resultant vector.
Vector addition is the operation of adding two or more vectors together into a vector sum. The so-called
parallelogram law gives the rule for vector addition of two or more vectors. For two vectors and , the vector
sum is obtained by placing them head to tail and drawing the vector from the free tail to the free head.

Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/
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Vector

The magnitude and direction of the sum of two or more vectors can also be determined by use of an
accurately drawn scaled vector diagram. Using a scaled diagram, the head-to-tail method is employed to
determine the vector sum or resultant.

The Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometric method can be used to determine the resultant vector.

y Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector of

F1 = 100 N F1 and F2.
Use the following formulas:
F2x 450 F1y ΣFx = 0
x
ΣFy = 0
600 F1x
F2y FR = √ (ΣFx)2 + (ΣFy)2
Tangent Θ = opposite side
F2 = 50 N adjacent side

Solution: Solve for the magnitude of FR

ΣFx = 0 ΣFy = 0
cos 450= adjacent side = F1x sine 450 = opposite side = F1y
hypotenuse 100 N hypotenuse 100 N
F1x = 100 N (cos 450) F1y = 100 N (sine 450)
F1x = 100 N (0.707) F1y = 100 N (0.707)
F1x = 70.7 N F1y = 70.7 N
cos 600 = adjacent side = - F2x sine 600 = opposite side = - F2y
hypotenuse 50 N hypotenuse 50 N
F2x = - 50 N (cos 600) F2y = - 50 N (sine 600)
F2x = - 50 N (0.5) F2y = - 50 N (0.866)
F2x = - 25 N F2y = - 43.3 N
ΣFx = F1x + F2x = 70.7 N + (- 25 N) = 45.7 N

ΣFy = F1y + F2y = 70.7 N + (- 43.3 N) = 27.4 N

FR = √ (ΣFy)2 + (ΣFx)2
FR = √ (27.4 N)2 + (45.7 N)2
FR = √750.76 N2 + 2088.49 N2
FR = √2839.25 N2
FR = 53.28 N
Solve for the direction of FR, Θ FR
Tangent Θ = opposite side ΣFy
adjacent side
Θ
tan Θ = ΣFy = 27.4 N = 0.59956
ΣFx 45.7 N ΣFx
Θ = 30.940
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Vector

The polygon method is a Head - Tail Vector method for finding sum or resultant of more than two vectors.

The following sample problems were provided to give you a bird’s eye view
in the addition of two or more vectors by graphical method known as Head -
Tail method Vector. Be noted that arrows are used to represent directions.

1. A person walks 9 blocks east and 5 blocks north. The displacement is 10.3 blocks at an angle 29.1º north
of east. How far is he from the starting point? The distance (scalar quantity) travelled by the person is the sum
equivalent to 14 units. If you draw a line from the origin to the end point, this is the displacement (vector
quantity) of 10.3 units. Take note that it has direction of 29.10.

Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/

2. Use the graphical technique for adding vectors to find the total displacement of a person who walks the
following three paths (displacements) on a flat field. First, she walks 25.0 m in a direction 49.0º north of east.
Then, she walks 23.0 m heading 15.0º north of east. Finally, she turns and walks 32.0 m in a direction 68.0°
south of east.
Solution
(1) Draw the three displacement vectors.

Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/

(2) Place the vectors head to tail retaining both their initial magnitude and direction.

Sources: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/

(4) Use a ruler to measure the magnitude of R, and a protractor to measure the direction of R. While the
direction of the vector can be specified in many ways, the easiest way is to measure the angle between the
vector and the nearest horizontal or vertical axis. Since the resultant vector is south of the eastward pointing
axis, we flip the protractor upside down and measure the angle between the eastward axis and the vector.
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Vector

In this case, the total displacement R is seen to have a magnitude of 50.0

m and to lie in a direction 7.0º south of east. By using its magnitude and
direction, this vector can be expressed as R = 50.0 m and θ = 7.0º south of
east.
Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/

Vectors can be added in any order. A + B = B + A.

Vector addition is commutative. Vectors can be added in any order. A + B = B + A.
Head-to-tail method is a method of adding vectors in which the tail of each vector is placed at the head of the
previous vector. Magnitude (of a vector) is the length or size of a vector; magnitude is a scalar quantity. Tail is
the start point of a vector; opposite to the head or tip of the arrow.

Sample problem No. 2. A woman sailing a boat at night is following directions to a dock. The instructions read
to first sail 27.5 m in a direction 66.0º north of east from her current location, and then travels 30.0 m in a
direction 112º north of east (or 22.0º west of north). If the woman makes a mistake and travels in
the opposite direction for the second leg of the trip, where will she end up? Compare this location with the
location of the dock.
Solution
(1) To determine the location at which the
woman arrives by accident, draw
vectors A and –B.
Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
physics/chapter/vectors/
(2) Place the vectors head to tail.
(3) Draw the resultant vector R.
(4) Use a ruler and protractor to measure
the magnitude and direction of R.

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/
chapter/vectors/

In this case, R = 23.0 m and θ = 7.5º south of east.

Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors
(5) To determine the location of the dock, we repeat this method to add vectors A and B. We obtain the
resultant vector R’:
In this case R = 52.9 m and θ = 90.1º north of east.
We can see that the woman will end up a significant distance
from the dock if she travels in the opposite direction for the
second leg of the trip.

Source:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-physics/chapter/vectors/ Commented [n1]:
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Vector

We had just finished the discussion on vector.

Let’s move on to the next higher level of activity/ies or exercise/s that
demonstrate your potential skills/knowledge of what you have learned.

V. ANALYSIS, APPLICATION AND EXPLORATION

ACTIVITY 1

Name: ______________________________ Grade & Section: __________________

The aim of this activity is to determine the acquired knowledge and

measure your understanding on vector addition and subtraction. Encircle
the letter that will give you the correct answer to the following questions.
Solutions to problems should be included in your weekly Portfolio.

1. Which of the following is a vector?

A. a person’s height,
B. the altitude on Mt. Everest,
C. the age of the Earth,
D. the acceleration of gravity?
2. Which of the following is scalar?
A. a man walking 2 km north
B. a boy with a 30 N weight
C. boiling point of water 1000C
D. an object pulled by a 40 N force 30 0 with the vertical
3. What do vectors and scalars have in common?
A. direction
B. magnitude
C. motion
D, resultant
4. A person walks 300 north of west for 94 m and 122 m east. What is the magnitude of his displacement?
A. 62.10 m
B. 65.20 m
C. 70.30 m
D. 75.40 m
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Vector

5. Three boys are lifting a bucket, as the figure show. F 1=180 pounds, F2=F3=100 pounds. Find the direction
and magnitude of the resultant of these forces.
A. R = 280.00 pounds θ = 98.03°
B. R = 280.20 pounds θ = 98.30°
C. R = 280.05 pounds θ = 98.33°
D. R = 280.22 pounds θ = 98.03

6. Three vectors A, B, and C are shown in the figure. Find one vector (magnitude and direction) that will have
the same effect as the three vectors A = 100 N @ 37 0, B = 100 N @ 1500, and C = 80 N @ 2330.
R = 70.79 N at 139.850
A. R = 71.79 N at 139.850
B. R = 72.79 N at 139.850
C. R = 73.79 N at 139.850

7. A laser beam is aimed 15.95° above the horizontal at a mirror 11,648 m away. It glances off the mirror and
continues for an additional 8570. m at 11.44° above the horizon until it hits its target. What is the resultant
displacement of the beam to the target?
A. R = 22,200 m at 14.040
B. R = 21,200 m at 14.040
C. R = 20,200 m at 14.040
D. R = 19,200 m at 14.040
E.
8. Three forces act on a point: 3 N at 0°, 4 N at 90°, and 5 N at 217°. What is the net force?
A. R = 1.7 N at 1350
B. R = 1.6 N at 1350
C. R = 1.5 N at 1350
D. R = 1.4 N at 1350

A boat attempts to travel straight across a river at a speed of 3.8 m/s. The river current flows at a speed river of
6.1 m/s to the right. What is the total velocity of the boat? You can represent each meter per second of velocity
as one centimeter of vector length in your drawing.
A. v = 7.2 m/s.
B. v = 8.2 m/s.
C. v = 9.2 m/s.
D. v = 10.2 m/s.

10. A boat attempts to travel straight across a river at a speed of 3.8 m/s. The river current flows at a
speed river of 6.1 m/s to the right. What is the direction of the boat?
A. Θ = 32.00
B. Θ = 34.00
C. Θ = 36.00
D. Θ = 38.00
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Vector

ACTIVITY 2

Name: ______________________________ Grade & Section: __________________

Tell what statement is TRUE and what is FALSE. Write your answer on the blank provided.

_______ 1. To add vectors, lay the first one on a set of axes with its tail at the origin. .
_______ 2. To subtract vectors, proceed as if adding the two vectors, but flip the vector
to be subtracted across the axes and then join it tail to head as if adding.
_______ 3. Adding or subtracting any number of vectors yields a resultant vector.
_______ 4. A vector is an object that has a magnitude only.
_______ 5. The direction of a scalar quantity is from its tail to its head.
_______ 6. Geometrically, we can picture a vector as a directed line segment,
whose length is the magnitude of the vector and with an arrow indicating
the direction.
________ 7. The term scalar denotes the mathematical or geometrical representation
of such a quantity.
_______ 8. Examples of vectors in nature are velocity, momentum, force,
electromagnetic fields, and weight.
_______ 9. One application of 'Vectors' in real life is to know the direction in which the
force is attempting to move the body.
_______ 10. One application of scalar is to know how the gravity exerts a force of
attraction on a body to work.
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Vector

Finally, let us summarize the lesson of what we had discussed today.

VI. GENERALIZATION

This generalization is the summary of the discussed lessons on vector. This is included in the
module to help you recall the concepts in the graphical and analytical method of vector addition and
subtraction. Match Column A with Column B.

Column A Column B
_______ 1. A physical quantity that has only magnitude only. A. distance
_______ 2. A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. B. arrow sign above
_______ 3. Vector or scalar are the mathematical quantities that are used C. scalar quantities
to describe the motion of objects. D.. zero miles
_______ 4. Refers to "how much ground an object has covered during E. 0.50 km
its motion. F. true
_______ 5. Force, velocity and acceleration are G. scalar
_______ 6. What is the displacement of the cross-country team if they H. displacement
begin at the school, run 10 miles and finish back at the school? I. vector
_______ 7. Representation of vector quantity symbol in bold or _________. J. vector quantities
_______ 8. Refers to "how far out of place an object is";
it is the object's overall change in position.
_______ 9. What is the distance of the race car drivers in the 500 meters
to kilometers?
_______ 10. Temperature, mass, speed are

KUDOS!
You have come to an end of Module 2.
OOPS! Don’t forget that you have still an assignment to do.
Here it is….
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Vector

VII. ASSIGNMENT
T

Name: ______________________________ Grade & Section: __________________

For recall and practice, you are tasked to answer this assignment. Encircle the letter of
the correct answer. Solutions should be included in your weekly Portfolio.

(This assignment will be submitted on ________________.)

1. Components of a resultant force

A. Clockwise and counterclockwise
B. Vertical and horizontal forces
C. North and south
D. East and west
2. The single force and associated torque obtained by combining a system of forces and torques acting on a
rigid body is known as
A. Concurrent forces
B. Two or more Vector forces
C. Resultant force
D. Vector quantities
3. This means: a stationary object stays stationary. a moving object continues to move at the same velocity
(at the same speed and in the same direction.
A. Resultant force is infinite
B. Resultant force is equal to zero
C. Resultant force is less than the sum of forces
D. Resultant force is greater than the sum of all individual forces.
4. Among the following options, which are scalar-vector pairs?
A. Force – acceleration
B. Pressure – force
C. Displacement – speed
D. Electric current – pressure
5. Two vectors, F1 = 20 N and F2 = 30 N, have direction as shown in the figure below.
Determine the resultant of components of vectors in x-axis and y-axis.
A. 5√3 N and 25 N
B. -5√3 N and 25 N
C. 25 N and 5√3 N
D. - 30 N and 25√3 N
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Vector

6. A person is riding a motorcycle from home 6 km to north then 8 km to east. Determine

the final position of the person from the initial position.
A. 14 km northeast
B. 14 km southwest
C. 10 km northeast
D. 10 km northwest

7.

Based on the figure above, If 1 square represents 1 km, then what is the total displacement?
A. 12 km
B. 13 km
C. 14 km
D. 15 km
8. A cyclist heads due west on a straight road. The wind is blowing from 248° at 10 m/s.
What kind of wind is this?
A. tailwind
B. headwind
C. whirlwind
D. crosswind
9. A cyclist heads due west on a straight road. The wind is blowing from 248° at 10 m/s.
What is the headwind speed?
A. 10.7 m/s
B. 10.2 m/s
C. 9.7 m/s
D. 9.2 m/s
10. A cyclist heads due west on a straight road. The wind is blowing from 248° at 10 m/s.
What is the crosswind speed?
A. 3.7 m/s
B. 4.7 m/s
C. 5.7 m/s
D. 6.7 m/s
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