Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Measurements and Vectors

Module 1

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.1 Solve measurement problems involving conversion of units, expression of measurements in

scientific notation.
1.2 Differentiate vector and scalar quantities.
1.3 Perform addition of vectors.
1.4. Rewrite a vector in component form

THE BIG IDEA

The range of objects and phenomena studied in physics is immense. Comprehension of the
encompassing world lays on data about physical quantities. From the incredibly short lifetime of a
nucleus to the age of the Earth, from the tiny sizes of sub-nuclear particles to the tremendous separation
to the edges of the known universe, from the force applied by a hopping insect to the force among Earth
and the Sun, there are enough factors of 10 to challenge the imagination of even the most experienced
scientist. Whatever region of exercises we take part in, (science, industry, agribusiness, etc) we
continually face the need of estimating such physical quantities as length, mass, time, temperature,
electrical and magnetic quantities, quality parameters of products, and so on. As we go further in depth,
frequent reference is made to physical quantities, for example, force, speed, and time. For instance, the
discussion of the speed of a vehicle, and the power in a packed spring. It is valuable to isolate these
physical quantities into two kinds. In this module, we will talk about various physical quantities and its
measurement and methods of adding vectors. How do measurements give a profound quantitative
characteristic of different physical phenomena and allow us to apply them in everyday life and how
quantities that are vectors must be manipulated according to certain rules?

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 1

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING

MEASUREMENTS
The laws of physics express relationships among physical
quantities. Physical quantities are numbers that are obtained by
measuring physical phenomena. For example, the length of this book is Did you know that?
a physical quantity, as is the amount of time it takes for you to read this
sentence and the temperature of the air in your classroom. The gram was the first unit
defined as a unit of mass.
Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison The metric system adopted
with a certain basic, arbitrarily chosen, internationally accepted the kilogram as the standard
reference standard called unit. The result of a measurement of a unit of mass (a gram
physical quantity is expressed by a number (or numerical measure) measure 1/1,000 of a
kilogram). The standard unit
accompanied by a unit. Although the number of physical quantities of volume is the liter. One
appears to be exceptionally large, we need only a limited number of liter is equal to 1,000 cubic
units for expressing all the physical quantities, since they are centimeters in volume
interrelated with one another. The units for the fundamental or base measurements. The unit of
quantities are called fundamental or base units. The units of all other area is the acre.
physical quantities can be expressed as combinations of the base units. Such units obtained for the
derived quantities are called derived units. A complete set of these units, both the base units and derived
units, is known as the system of units.

The International System of Units

Time. The unit of time, the second (s), was historically defined in terms of the rotation of Earth
and was equal to (1/60) (1/60) (1/24) of the mean solar day. However, scientists have observed that the
rate of rotation of Earth is gradually slowing down. The second is now defined in terms of a
characteristic frequency associated with the cesium atom and defined so that the frequency of the light
from a certain transition in cesium is exactly 9,192,631,770 cycles per second.
Length. The meter (m) is the SI unit of length. Historically, this length was defined as one ten-
millionth of the distance between the equator and the North Pole along the meridian through Paris.
Currently, the meter is determined using the speed of light through empty space, which is defined to be
exactly 299,792,458 m/s. The meter, then, is the distance light travels through empty space in
1/(299,792,458) second.
Mass. The SI unit of mass, the kilogram (kg) was once defined as the mass of one liter of water
at 4°C. Like the standards for time and length, the kilogram standard has changed over time. The
kilogram is now defined to be the mass of a specific platinum-iridium alloy cylinder.

Conversion of Units
Because different systems of units are in use, it is important to know how to covert from one
unit to another unit. When physical quantities are added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided in an
algebraic equation, the unit can be treated like any other algebraic quantity. The simplest way to convert
one unit to another is to form a conversion ratio (equal to one) with the desired unit on the numerator
and the unit to be converted at the denominator. (Refer to table of conversion, Table 1, p. 11)

Example: During your chemistry laboratory class, your beaker contains 578 ml of water but as per
instructions on your laboratory manual, volume is in quarts. What is its volume in quarts?
Solution: 1L 1 quart
578 ml × × ≈ 0. 60842105263
1,000 ml 0.95 L or
–1
6.08×10 quart

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 2

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

–1
Thus, the beaker with 578 ml of water has a volume of 6.08×10 in quarts.

Example: If the density of an object is 2.87 × 10−4 lbs/cubic inch, what is its density in g/ml?
Solution: 454 g (1 in)3 1 cm3
−4 3= −4 3 × ×
2.87 × 10 lbs/in 2.87 × 10 lbs/in ×
1 lb (2.54 cm)3 1 ml
≈ 0. 0079512781
or
–3
7.95×10 g/ml
–3
Thus, the density of an object that is 2.87 × 10−4 lbs/cubic inch in g/ml is 7.96 × 10 .

VECTORS AND VECTOR ADDITION

If an object moves in a straight line, we can describe its motion by describing how far or how
fast it moves, and whether it moves to the left or right of the origin. But when we look at the motion of
an object that is moving in two or three dimensions, we need more than just plus and minus signs to
indicate direction. Quantities that have magnitude and direction, such as velocity, acceleration, and
force, are called vectors. Quantities with magnitude but no associated direction, such as speed, mass,
volume, and time, are called scalars.

Example:
• Scalar quantity – time, volume, speed, mass, temperature, distance, entropy, energy, and
work.
• Vector quantity – acceleration, velocity, momentum, force, increase and decrease in
temperature, and weight.

Vector Representation and Direction

An arrow is a convenient way to draw a vector since both length and direction are clearly
indicated. A real number is a convenient way to represent a scalar, which when multiplied by a vector
changes its length.
The symbol for vector quantities is an italicized capital letter in boldface or with an arrow on
top. For example, force may be represented as F or F. The magnitude of a vector, say F, is represented
by F or |F| (This module uses the former representation). The direction of a vector is the acute angle it
makes with the east-west line. The word north or south is written after the measure of the angle followed
by the phrase “of east” or “of west.”
N
Example:
B A

Solution:
45o 50o
W 20o E
• A is 50o north of east; C
• B is northwest;
• C is 20o south of east; D
• D is south S

Note: Whenever the vector has an angle of 45o, you can write it without including the angle i.e., vector
B.

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 3

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Vector Addition
A variety of mathematical operations may be performed on
vectors. While scalar quantities obey the ordinary rules of arithmetic in
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, vector quantities are Did you know that?
treated in different way. The directions must be taken into consideration.
At zero (0) degrees two
The sum of two or more vector quantities is called resultant vector, vectors have a resultant equal
or simply resultant and is denoted by R. Finding the sum of two vectors, to their sum. At 180 degrees
A + B, is not as simple as 1 + 1 = 2. There are two important properties of two vectors have a resultant
vector addition. Vector addition is commutative; that is, the order of adding equal to their difference.
From the minimum value (at
vectors may be changed without affecting the resultant. In symbols, 180) to the maximum value
A+B=B+A (at zero) is the total range of
all the possible resultants of
Vector addition is also associative, that is, the grouping of vectors any two vectors.
to be added may also be changed without affecting the resultant. In
symbols,
(A + B) + C = A + (B + C)

Methods of Vector Addition

There are two general methods by which methods by which vectors may be added: graphical
and analytical. The graphical method is further subdivided into: (1) parallelogram (2) polygon method.
The analytical method of adding vectors is divided into two: (1) using the laws of sines and cosines and
(2) the component method. In vector operations, the laws of sines and cosines are generally used if there
are only two vectors to be added. The component method is more convenient to use than the laws of
sines and cosines if there are more than two vectors to be added.

Parallelogram Method
Steps in determining the resultant of two vectors:
1. Using suitable scale, draw the arrows representing the vectors from a common point.
2. Construct a parallelogram using the two vectors as sides.
3. Draw the diagonal of the parallelogram from the common point. This represents the resultant
R.
4. Measure the length of the arrow representing the resultant, and from the scale used, determine
its magnitude.
5. Determine the direction of the resultant vector using a protractor.
Example: Two forces A and B are acting on an object. A is 3 N directed north and B is 4 N, 30 o north
of east. Find the resultant force acting on the object using the parallelogram method.
Solution: Using the scale of 0.5 cm: 1 N, the parallelogram using forces A and B as sides is drawn as
shown in the figure. Using a ruler, the length of the arrow representing the magnitude of the
resultant R is found to be 6 cm. Using a protractor, the angle θ that R makes with the horizontal
is approximately 55o. Therefore, R is 6 N, 55o north of east (N of E).
N
R

A
B
W 30o
E
O
S

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 4

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Example: A particle is being acted upon by the following forces: F1 = 4N, east; F2 = 6N, northeast; and
F3 = 8N, south. Find the resultant using the parallelogram method. You may add the forces
according to the following grouping (F1 + F2) + F3.
Solution: As shown in the figure, R1 = F1 + F2 while R2 = R1 + F3. The resultant vector in the figure
has nine scale units corresponding to 9N. Using a protractor, the angle that the resultant makes
with the horizontal axis is 25o. Thus, the resultant is 9N, 25o south of east. (Scale: 1 cm: 1 N)
N

F2
R1 = F1 + F2
O F1
W E
θ
R2 = (F1 + F2) + F3
F3

S
Example: Using the same forces in previous example, find F1 + (F2 + F3). Compare your answer with
the resultant obtain in previous example.
Solution:
N

O F2

F1
W E
θ
R2 = F1 + (F2 + F3)
F3 R1 = F2 + F3

The resultant vectors are the same: 9N, 25 o south of east. This is an application of associative property
of vectors.

Polygon Method
Steps in determining the resultant:
1. Represent each vector quantity by an arrow drawn to scale.
2. Starting from the origin, draw the first vector on the rectangular coordinate system, accounting
properly its direction.
3. Connect the tail of the second vector to the head of the first vector. Connect the tail of the third
vector to the head of the second vector. You may continue drawing the vectors head the vectors
head to tail until you draw the last vector to be added.
4. The resultant will close the figure formed by connecting the vectors. This resultant is drawn
from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector.
5. Measure the length of the arrow representing the resultant. Determine the magnitude of the
resultant from the scale used.
6. Use a protractor to determine the direction of the resultant.

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 5

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Example: You are out for an early morning walk 5 m, south and 12 m, east. Then, you decided to walk
farther and go 4 m, southwest and 6 m, west. (a) How far are you now from your starting point
and in what direction? (b) Would you have arrived at the same spot had you taken the steps
in this order: 12 m, east; 4 m, southwest; 5 m, south; and 6 m, west? Use the polygon method
to determine your answer.
Solution: (a) Let A = 5 m, south; B = 12 m, east; C = 4 m, southwest; and D = 6 m, west. Figure shows
the polygon formed by adding the displacements in the order of A + B + C + D.
N

W O E
θ = 68o
R=8m
A=5m
B = 12 m

C=4m

D=6m
S
(b) The displacements are added in the order of B + C + A + D. Changing the order of adding
displacements does not affect the resultant. This is the consequence of commutativity of vectors
when added together. From the scale used (1 m = 1 cm), the resultant is approximately 8 m and its
direction are approximately 68o south of east.
N

B = 12 m
W O E
θ = 68o
R=8m C=4m

A=5m

D=6m
S

Laws of Sines and Cosines

The steps in vector addition using the law of sines and cosines are the same as in the polygon
method, except that instead of determining the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector by actual
measurement, they are computed using these laws.

Example: Two forces A and B are acting on a particle at O. Force A is 3N directed north and B is 4N,
30o north of east. Find the resultant force using the laws of sines and cosines.
Solution:

30o
120o
R = 6.08 N
A = 3N
θ = 55.29o
W E
O

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 6

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

From the figure, the angle opposite R is 120o. Using the law of cosines,
R2 = A2 + B2 – 2ABcos120o
R2 = (3 N)2 + (4 N)2 – 2(3 N)(4 N) cos 120o
Getting the roots of both sides, then,
R = 6.08 N
To determine the direction of R, use the law of sines and solve for ∠AOR or ø.
4N 6.08 N
=
sin ø sin 120o
4 N (sin 120o)
= sin ø
6.08 N
(0.569494…) ≈ sin ø

sin–1(0.569494…) = ø
34.72o ≈ ø
Note that ø = 34.72 is with respect to north direction. The angle, θ, that R makes with the east
o

direction is equal to 90o – 34.72 = 55.29o. Thus, R = 6.08 N, 55.29o north of east. (Do not simplify your
answer unless you come up with your final answer)

Example: Displacement vector A is 4.5 km, north, whereas displacement vector B is 3 km, 50o north of
west. Find the resultant displacement using the laws of sines and cosines.
Solution: From the figure, the angle opposite R is 140o. Using the laws of cosines:
R2 = A2 + B2 – 2ABcos140o
R2 = (4.5 km)2 + (3 km)2 – 2(4.5 km)(3 km)cos140o
Getting the roots of both sides, then,
R = 7.07 km
To determine the direction of the resultant vector, use the law of sine and solve for the angle.
3 km 7.07 km
=
sin ø sin 140o
3 km (sin 140o)
= sin ø
7.07 km
(0.272894…) ≈ sin ø

sin–1(0.272894…) = ø
15.84o ≈ ø

Note that 15.84o is with respect to north direction. The angle that R makes must be with east
direction, so
90o – 15.84o = 74.16o.
o
Thus, R = 7.07 km, 74.16 north of west. (Do not simplify your answer unless you come up
with your final answer)
N

50o

140o

R = 7.07 km
A = 4.5 km

θ= 74.16o
W E
O
S

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 7

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Component Method
Steps in determining the resultant:
1. Resolve the given vectors into its horizontal and vertical components.
2. Get the algebraic sum of all the horizontal components, ƩVx. Also get the algebraic sum of all
the vertical components, ƩVy. These sums represent the horizontal component and the vertical
component of the resultant, respectively.
ƩVx = Vx1 + Vx2 + Vx3 + … + Vxn
ƩVy = Vy1 + Vy2 + Vy3 + … + Vyn
3. Since the vertical and horizontal components are perpendicular to each other, the magnitude
of the resultant may be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.
R = (ƩVx)2 + (ƩVy)2
4. Solve for the angle θ that the resultant makes with the horizontal.
ƩV
θ = arctan y

ƩV
x
Example: Ana runs 4 m, 40o north of east, 2 m, east; 5.20 m, 30o south of west; and 6.50 m, south
before stopping for water break. Find her resultant displacement from where she started.
Solution: Tabulate the horizontal and vertical components of each vector.
Vectors Horizontal Component Vertical Component
o o
A = 4 m, 40 north of east Ax = +4m (cos 40 ) Ay = +4m (sin 40o)
Ax = 3.06m Ay = 2.57m
B = 2 m, east Bx = +2m By = 0
o
C = 5.20 m, 30 south of west Cx = –5.20m (cos 30o) Cy = –5.20m (sin 40o)
Cx = –4.50m Cy = –2.60m
D = 6.50 m, south Dx = 0 Dy = –6.50m
∑dx = 0.56m ∑dy = –6.53m
Solving for the magnitude dR of the resultant,

dR = (Ʃdx)2 + (Ʃdy)2 = (0.56m)2 + (–6.53m)2 = 6.55m

Solving for the direction θ of the resultant,
Ʃd –6.53 m
θ = arctan y
= arctan = 85.01o
Ʃd 0.56 m
x
Since ∑dx is positive and ∑dy is negative, the resultant must be in the fourth quadrant. Hence, the
direction must be 85.01o south of east. Therefore, dR is 6.55 m, 85.01o south of east.
In this method, you can either show the illustration obtained from the table including its resultant
or not.

Example: Find the resultant of the following forces by component method: F1 = 12N, south; F2 =
24N, 30o north of west; F3 = 15N, 75o south of west; and F4 = 32N, 50o south of east.
Solution:
Vectors Horizontal Component Vertical Component
F1 F1 = 0 F1 = –12 N
F2 = –24 N cos(30o) F2 = 24 N sin(30o)
F2
F2 = –20.79 N F2 = –12 N
F3 = –15 N cos(75o) F3 = –15 N sin(75o)
F3
F3 = –3.88 N F3 = –14.49 N
F4 = 32 N cos(50o) F4 = –32 N sin(50o)
F4
F4 = 20.57 N F4 = –24.51 N
∑ Fx = –4.10 N ∑ Fy = –39 N

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 8

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

Solving for the magnitude FR of the resultant,

FR = (ƩFx)2 + (ƩFy)2 = (–4.10 N)2 + (–39 N)2 = 39.22 N
Solving for the direction θ of the resultant,
Ʃ Fy –39 N
θ = arctan = arctan = 84o
Ʃ Fx –4.10 N

Since ∑Fx and ∑Fy are both negative, the resultant must be in the third quadrant. Hence, the
direction must be 84o south of west. Therefore, FR is 39.22 N, 84o south of west.

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 9

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

LEARNING RESOURCES

References:
Silverio, Angelina A (2017) Exploring Life through Science Series General Physics 1.
Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House.

Tipler, Paul A, Mosca, Gene (2014) Physics for Scientist and Engineers 6th Edition. W.H.
Freeman and Company

National Council of Educational Research and Training (2006) Physics Textbook for Class
XI. New Delhi 110016, Kalyan Enterprises, D-20, Sector B-3, Tronica City
Industrial Area, Loni, Ghaziabad - 201 102 (U.P.). ISBN 81-7450-508-3.
Retrieved from https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/keph102.pdf
For online exercises, you may visit the following links:
https://interactives.ck12.org/simulations/physics.html
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/vector-addition

ABOUT MODULE

Module Author/Curator : Mr. Jomari B. Montalbo

Template & Layout Designer : Mr. Florence A. Somoria

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 10

 Module 1 – Measurements and Vectors

TABLE 1. MEASURES (ENGLISH, METRIC, AND EQUIVALENTS)

UNITS OF LENGTH IN THE
U.S. SYSTEM
1 foot (ft) = 12 inches (in)
1 yard (yd) = 3 feet (ft)
1 yard (yd) = 36 inches (in)
1 mile (mi) = 5,280 feet (ft)
UNITS OF WEIGHT IN THE
U.S. SYSTEM
1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces (oz)
1 ton (T) = 2,000 pounds (lb)
SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
UNITS OF LENGTH IN THE
CONVERSIONS FOR
METRIC SYSTEM
LENGTH
1,000 millimeters (mm) = 1 meter
100 centimeters (cm) = 1 meter 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
10 decimeters (dm) = 1 meter 1 meter ≈ 3.28 feet
1 dekameter (dam) = 10 meters 1 mile ≈ 1.61 km
1 hectometer (hm) = 100 meters 1 foot ≈ 0.30 meters (m)
1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters 1 yard ≈ 0.91 meters
1 km ≈ 0.62 mi
UNITS OF WEIGHT IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
WEIGHT
1 gram ≈ the weight of a paper clip
1 gram ≈ the weight of a raisin 1 ounce ≈ 28.3 grams
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams (mg) 1 pound ≈ 0.45 kg
1 gram = 100 centigrams (cg)
1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams
1 metric ton (t) = 1,000 kilograms

UNITS OF AREA IN THE U.S. UNITS OF AREA IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM

SYSTEM METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR AREA
1 square foot (ft2) = 144 square 1 cm2 = 100 mm2 1 in2 ≈ 6.45 cm2
inches (in2) 1 dm2 = 100 cm2
1 square yard (yd2) = 9 square 1 m2 = 100 dm2 1 m2 ≈ 1.196 yd2
feet (ft2) 1 are (a) = 100 m2 1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres
1 acre = 43,560 square feet (ft2) 1 hectare (ha) = 100 a
1 square mile (mi2) = 640 acres

UNITS OF VOLUME IN THE UNITS OF VOLUME IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM

U.S. SYSTEM METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
VOLUME
1 cubic foot (ft3) = 1,728 cubic 1 cc = 1 cm3
inches (in3) 1 milliliter (mL) = 1 cm3 1 in3 ≈ 16.39 mL
1 cubic yard (yd3) = 27 cubic 1 liter (L) = 1,000 millimeters (mL) 1 liter ≈ 1.06 qt
feet (ft3) 1 hectoliter (hL) = 100 liters (L) 1 gallon ≈ 3.79 liters
1 cord = 128 cubic feet (ft3) 1 kiloliter (kL) = 1,000 liters (L) 1 m3 ≈ 35.31 ft3
1 quart ≈ 0.95 L
UNITS OF FLUID VOLUME UNITS OF TIME IN BOTH SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
IN THE U.S. SYSTEM SYSTEMS CONVERSIONS FOR
TEMPERATURE
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons 1 millisecond = 1,000 microseconds
1 fl oz = 2 tablespoons 1 second =1,000 milliseconds o
F oC
1 cup (c) = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) 1 minute = 60 seconds o
C = 5/9 (F – 32)
1 pint (pt) = 2 cups (c) 1 hour = 60 minutes
1 quart (qt) = 2 pints (pt) 1 day ≈ 24 hours o
C oF
1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts (qt) 1 month ≈ 30 days o
F = 9/5C + 32
1 gallon (gal) = 128 fluid 1 year ≈ 365 days
ounces (fl oz) 1 banking year = 360 days

[Grade 12 – Classical Physics I (Calculus Based)] 11