Units of Chapter 3

• Scalars Versus Vectors

• The Components of a Vector
• Adding and Subtracting Vectors
• Unit Vectors

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 Chapter 3
Vectors in Physics

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 3-1 Scalars Versus Vectors
Scalar: number with units
Vector: quantity with magnitude and direction
How to get to the library: need to know how far
and which way

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 3-2 The Components of a Vector
Even though you know how far and in which
direction the library is, you may not be able
to walk there in a straight line:

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 3-2 The Components of a Vector
Can resolve vector into perpendicular
components using a two-dimensional
coordinate system:

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 3-2 The Components of a Vector
Length, angle, and components can be
calculated from each other using
trigonometry:

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 3-2 The Components of a Vector

Signs of vector components:

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 3-3: Vector Resultant
Resultant vector – the combined effect of
individual vector.
Methods in determining vector resultant:
1. Adding vectors graphically:
- Place the tail of the second at the head of the
first. The sum points from the tail of the first to
the head of the last.
2. Analytical- use of mathematics:
- example: addition, subtraction, Pythagorean
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 3-3 Adding and Subtracting Vectors
Adding vectors graphically: Place the tail of the
second at the head of the first. The sum points
from the tail of the first to the head of the last.

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 3-3 Adding and Subtracting Vectors

Adding Vectors Using Components:

1. Find the components of each vector to be
added.
2. Add the x- and y-components separately.
3. Find the resultant vector.

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 3-3 Adding and Subtracting Vectors

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 3-3 Adding and Subtracting Vectors
Subtracting Vectors: The negative of a vector is
a vector of the same magnitude pointing in the
opposite direction. Here, D = A. B

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 Adding two or more vectors using components
Steps:
1. Draw a diagram
2. Choose x and y-axis
3. Resolve each vector into x & y components
4. Calculate each components
5. Get the algebraic sum of each components
6. Find the magnitude of resultant and its
direction

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 Adding two or more vectors using components
Example:
An airplane trip involve
three legs, with two
stopovers, as shown. The
first leg is due east for 620
km; with second leg is 45
degree southeast for 440
km; and the third leg is 53
degree south of west for
550 km. what is the plane
total displacement and
direction?
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 Adding two or more vectors using components
Example:
A mail carrier leaves the post office and drives 22.0
km in the northerly direction. Then driving in a
direction 60 degree south of east for 47 km. What
is the displacement of the mail carrier relative to
the office?

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 Adding two or more vectors using components
Solution Using the Guide:
1. Draw a diagram
2. Choose x and y-axis
3. Resolve each vector into x & y components
4. Calculate each components
5. Get the algebraic sum of each components
6. Find the magnitude of resultant and its
direction

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