Scalar Quantity
Scalar is a single quantity with a unit. Scalars are represented as points in space (dots). Weight, temperature and time are scalar quantities.
Vector Quantity
A vector quantity has to have both magnitude (size) and direction. Vectors are represented by arrows.
Velocity is a vector quantity as it would have both magnitude and direction.
Velocity is a vector quantity as it would have both magnitude and direction.
Adding Vectors
When adding vectors, magnitude and direction must both be taken into account.
Lets pretend we walk east 10 meters then continue east for 5 meters. Our total displacement could be found by adding the 2 vectors.
If instead we walk east 10 meters then turn and go west for 5 meters. Our total displacement is changed.
Lets pretend we walk east 10 meters then continue east for 5 meters. Our total displacement could be found by adding the 2 vectors.
If instead we walk east 10 meters then turn and go west for 5 meters. Our total displacement is changed.
Now we walk east 10 meters and north 5 meters. Our total displacement is still a combination of the two. This time however, we have to apply some trigonometry to help us calculate the length of the vector. I used the pythagorean theorem (a2 + b2 = c2) to do this. |