VECTORS

Vectors
Vector and Scalar Quantities
Quantities that require both magnitude
and direction are called vector
quantities.
Examples of vectors are Force,
Velocity and Displacement.
Vector and Scalar Quantities
Quantities that require just
magnitude are known as Scalar
quantities.
Examples of scalar quantities are
Mass, Volume and Time.
VECTOR BASICS
THE RESULTANT IN ONE DIMENSION

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vectors/U3l1b.cfm
DIRECTION
DIRECTION
THE RESULTANT IN TWO
DIMENSIONS (X AND Y)
THE RESULTANT IN TWO
DIMENSIONS (X AND Y)
PROPERTIES OF VECTORS
Vectors can be added in any order. For
example, A + B is the same as B + A
Vectors can be moved parallel to
themselves in a diagram.
To subtract a vector, add its opposite.
SIGNS (DIRECTION) ARE VERY
IMPORTANT!!!
PROPERTIES OF VECTORS

Multiplying or dividing vectors by

scalars results in vectors. For example:
When you divide displacement (x or
 y) by time (s) the result is velocity
(v).
 RESULTANTS CAN BE DETERMINE
GRAPHICALLY OR ALGEBRACIALLY

 When determining the resultant

graphically you must be careful of
several factors.
 Your scale must be determined and
measured accurately with a ruler.
 Your angles (directions) must be done
with a protractor.
 RESULTANTS CAN BE DETERMINE
GRAPHICALLY OR ALGEBRACIALLY

 ALWAYS DRAW YOUR VECTORS

FROM HEAD TO TAIL!!!!!

TAIL HEAD

 The resultant is always from the head of

your last vector to the tail of your first
vector.
DETERMINING SCALE
GRAPHICALLY DETERMINING A
RESULTANT
Vector Representation of Force
 Force has both magnitude and direction and
therefore can be represented as a vector.
 Vector Representation of Force

 The figure on the left shows 2 forces in the same

direction therefore the forces add. The figure on the
right shows the man pulling in the opposite direction
as the cart and forces are subtracted.
 Vector Representation of Velocity
 The figure on the left shows the
addition of the wind speed and
velocity of the plane.
 The figure on the right shows a
plane flying into the wind
therefore the velocities are
subtracted.
Vector Representation of Velocity
Geometric Addition of Vectors
 Consider a pair of horses pulling on a boat.

 The resultant force is the addition of the two

separate forces F1 + F2.
Geometric Addition of Vectors

The resultant
vector (black) is
the addition of
the other 2
vectors (blue +
green)
 Mathematical Addition of
Vectors
When we add vectors mathematically,
we use a vector diagram. This may
include using Pythagoras’ Theorem.
 Mathematical Addition of
Vectors
 Pythagoras’ Theorem, in a right angled
triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is
equal to the sum of the squares of the other
two sides.

a 2 + b 2 = c2
Mathematical Addition of
Vectors
 Example – An 80km/hr plane flying in a
60km/hr cross wind. What is the planes
speed relative to the ground.
Mathematical Addition of Vectors
 Solution
Use
Pythagoras’
Theorem to
find R
By Pythagoras' Theorem 
R 2 ( 80 )2  ( 60 )2
 R 2 6400  3600
 R 2 10000
Draw a vector  R  10000
representation of the R 100km / hr
velocities involved.
Mathematical Addition of
Vectors
As velocity is a vector, Use trigonometry to find
we need to find the the angle.
direction of the vector. opposite
tan  
Can do this by finding adjacent
an angle () with in the  tan  
60
vector diagram. 80
60
  tan  1 ( )
80
 36.9
 Mathematical Addition of
Vectors
 The answer should include both the
magnitude and direction of the vector.

The velocity of the plane relative to the ground is

100km/hr at 36.9o to the right of the planes initial
velocity.
 DETERMINING RESULTANTS BY
ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY
 You must use the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry to
determine a resultant.
 We only use degrees in this class.
 You must know SOHCAHTOA!!
 You must be able to use your calculator correctly!
 The resultant is always from the head of your last vector to
the tail of your first vector.
 Direction is always from the tail of the first vector.