Sec 5 Physics

MECHANICS MODULE

VECTORS
1 - Definitions
 SCALARS ( skay-lers )
• Scalar :
– a quantity that can be completely
described by a single numeral
• called magnitude or norm

• Examples of scalar quantities:

 SCALARS ( skay-lers )
• Scalar :
– a quantity that can be completely
described by a single numeral
• called magnitude or norm

• Examples of scalar quantities:

– volume, mass, time...
 VECTORS ( vec-turs )
• Vector :
– a quantity that requires a direction ,
as well as a magnitude (or norm), in
order to be completely described.

• Examples of vector quantities:

 VECTORS ( vec-turs )
• Vector :
– a quantity that requires a direction ,
as well as a magnitude (or norm), in
order to be completely described.

• Examples of vector quantities:

– force…
 VECTORS ( vec-turs )
• Vector :
– a quantity that requires a direction ,
as well as a magnitude (or norm), in
order to be completely described.

• Examples of vector quantities:

– force…
 Mathematical Note

• scalars and vectors are not "like terms";

– CANNOT be added or subtracted
– CAN be multiplied and divided
2 – Representing Vectors
Graphically
Vectors are represented graphically
as directed line segments

HEAD
B
or
TIP

A
TAIL
Points A and B are the
endpoints of the vector
 EQUIVALENCE
• Vectors are EQUIVALENT if they
have the same magnitude and
direction.

• A vector can be “moved” anywhere

as long as its magnitude and
direction are not changed
 EQUIVALENCE
All of the vectors represented below are
equivalent
3 – Vector Notation
 NAMING VECTORS
2 Types of notation are conventionally used

1) use 2 letters that represent the points

of the vector's tail and head (in order)
B HEAD
or
Vector AB TIP

A vector symbol
TAIL !!!"
AB
 NAMING VECTORS
2) use a different single letter
(not one of the vector’s endpoints)

B HEAD
or
Vector u TIP

!
A vector symbol
TAIL
u
 NAMING VECTORS

• letter(s) representing vectors must have a

little arrow above them pointing to the right
!!!" !
AB u
(alternatively, a chevron may be used: u
!)
!
• magnitude is symbolized as: u
VECTOR DIRECTION
“Polar”
Directions
 VECTOR DIRECTION

N or 90o

A
20 cm
30o
W or 180o E or 0o
10 cm
45o

S or 270o
 VECTOR DIRECTION

90o !"
A = 20 cm [ 30o ]
A
20 cm
30o
180o 0o
10 cm
45o

!" B

= 10 cm [ 225o]
B 270o
 EQUIVALENT
VECTOR DIRECTIONS

90o +

A
20 cm
30o
180o 0o
10 cm
45o

B
−
270o
 EQUIVALENT
VECTOR DIRECTIONS
!" +
A 90o

20 cm [ 30o ]
20 cm [ −330o ] 20 cm
A
−
30o
180o 0o
10 cm !"
45o B
B 10 cm [ 225o ]
10 cm [− 135o ]
270o