General Physics (Vectors)
VECTORS
★ A vector refers to any physical
quantity, which has both magnitude
and direction.
★ It is represented by an arrow whose
length corresponds to the magnitude
of the quantity and whose arrow head
corresponds to its direction.
★ It is represented y an arrows ( ) and
letter ( A)
★ The magnitude are drawn to scale to
enlarge or to reduce the vector and
the choice of scale is arbitrary
★ The direction would be up, down,
right,left ; y, -y, x, -x : north, south, east,
west
★ Vectors of the same quantity can be
added:
○ if they act along parallel and
the same direction, they are
simply added
○ if they are parallel and opposite
directions, they are being
subtracted
○ two or more vectors which are
not acting exactly in the same
or opposite directions, they can
be added in several ways:
Graphical method – parallelogram and
polygon
Analytical method – trigonometric
(Pythagorean)
- cosine and sine law
- component method – two dimension
- three dimension
Subtraction
Definition of Terms
Resultant vector ( R ) – a single vector which
represents the combined effects of the given
individual vectors
Equilibrant ( E) – a single vector that is equal
and opposite to the resultant
Vector Addition – the process of finding the
vector sum or the resultant
Vector Resolution – the process of finding
the components of a given vector
How to add two or more vectors using
components:
1. Draw a diagram, adding the vectors
graphically by either the
parallelogram or tail-to-tip method.
2. Choose x and y axes. Choose them in
a way, if possible, that will make your
work easier. (For example, choose one
axis along the direction of one of the
vectors so that vector will have only
one component)
General Physics (Vectors)

3. Resolve each vector into its x and y

components, showing each
component along its appropriate (x or
y) axis as a (dashed) arrow.
4. Calculate each component (when not
given) using sines and cosines. If θ1 is
the angle that vector V1 makes with
the positive x axis, then:
V1x = V1cosθ1 V1y = V1sinθ1
Pay careful attention to signs: any
component that points along the
negative x or y axis gets a negative
sign (-). Cosine Law and Sine Law
5. Add the x components together to get ★ Are used when two given vectors are
the x component of the resultant. Ditto at an acute or an obtuse angle
for y: between each other
Vx = V1x + V2x + any others ★ Example: Two forces, 80°and 100 N
Vy = V1y + V2y + any others acting at an angle of 60° with each
This is the answer: the components of other, pull an object.
the resultant vector. Check sign to see A. What single force would replace
if they fit the quadrant shown in your the two forces?
diagram (point 1 above) B. What single force (called the
6. If you want to know the magnitude equilibrant) would balance the
and direction of the resultant vector, two forces?
use Eqs, 3-4
2 2 𝑉
V= 𝑉𝑥 + 𝑉𝑦, tanθ 𝑉𝑦
𝑥

The vector diagram you already drew

helps to obtain the correct position
(quadrant) of the angle θ

Component Method
★ This can be used when there are two
or more given vectors whose resultant
is to be computed through the use of
their components.
General Physics (Vectors)

Vernier Caliper

Parts Functions

Outside jaws used to measure external diameter or width of an object

Internal jaws used to measure internal diameter of an object

Lock screw used to fix the position of the jaws once the object is positioned
properly

Vernier gives measurements up to one decimal places in mm

Main scale gives measurements in mm.

General Physics (Vectors)

Bar for the measurement of depth.

Depth Rod used to measure depths of an object or a hole

Micrometer-screw-gauge

Anvil The shiny part the spindle moves toward and the sample rests against.

Spindle Shiny cylindrical component that causes the thimble to move toward
the anvil.

Sleeve indication of reading in millimeter in case of imperial micrometer

Frame It is the C-shaped body that holds the anvil and barrel in constant
relation to each other. The frame is heavy and has high thermal mass.
To prevent substantial heating up, it is covered by insulating plastic.

Thimble Its main function is indication of reading in millimeters in case of

imperial micrometers.

Ratchet The device on the end of the handle that limits applied pressure by
slipping at a calibrated torque.