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Vectors: Geometric Addition of Vectors

Vectors have both magnitude and direction, while scalars only have magnitude. Common vectors include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, electric fields, and magnetic fields. Vectors can be added or subtracted geometrically by placing them head to tail. To add vectors, place them head to tail. To subtract a vector, add the opposite vector. Vectors can also be multiplied by scalars to change their magnitude but not direction. Vectors can be broken into components in two or three dimensions using unit vectors i, j, and k.

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206 views2 pages

Vectors: Geometric Addition of Vectors

Vectors have both magnitude and direction, while scalars only have magnitude. Common vectors include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, electric fields, and magnetic fields. Vectors can be added or subtracted geometrically by placing them head to tail. To add vectors, place them head to tail. To subtract a vector, add the opposite vector. Vectors can also be multiplied by scalars to change their magnitude but not direction. Vectors can be broken into components in two or three dimensions using unit vectors i, j, and k.

Uploaded by

Gerry Lou Quiles
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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53985X_Ch01_3

11/15/06

11:24 AM

Page 9

Vectors
Definition
A vector is defined as a quantity having both magnitude and direction. For example, 88 km/hr East or 200N 20 North of East are vectors. (By contrast, a scalar is a quantity that has magnitude only. For example, 35 meters, 50 ft/sec, and 100N are all scalars . . . numbers with no direction.) Typical vectors encountered in physics studies include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, impulse, momentum, angular momentum, work, magnetic fields, and electric fields. Displacement is the straight line connecting starting and ending points. Velocity is speed with direction. Acceleration is the change in velocity with respect to time. A force is a push or a pull in a particular direction. Impulse is the force acting on an object multiplied by the time the force acts. Impulse gives an object momentum. Momentum is an objects mass multiplied by its velocity. Angular Momentum is rotational inertia I multiplied by angular velocity . Work is the product of force and distance moved. Magnetic and electric fields both have directional orientations. All are vectors because they have magnitude and direction.

Addition and Subtraction


Geometric Addition of Vectors
Add head to tail as follows:
A+B

Following the commutative law:


A B A B

B+A

A+B=B+A Magnitude of A + B = A2 + B 2 (Pythagorean Theorem)

Geometric Subtraction of Vectors


Subtraction of vectors is accomplished by adding the opposite of the vector to be subtracted.
A A B AB B

A B = A + (B)

53985X_Ch01_3

11/15/06

11:24 AM

Page 10

Part II: Subject Area Reviews with Sample Questions and Answers

Example
Using the following three vectors, find:
A B C

(a) (b) (c) (d)

A+B AB A+B+C A+BC

Solution
A B A+B B AB

(a)

(b)
A

(c)

A+B+C

A+BC A B C

(d)

Simple Multiplication of Vectors


Doubling the size of vector A, for instance, results in it being labeled 2A and being twice as long as A and in the same direction. A negative sign indicates opposite direction. An antiparallel vector is an oppositely directed vector. For example, 2A is antiparallel to 2A.
A 2A 2A 2A

Vector Components in Two and Three Dimensions (C Exam)


In the following diagrams, the unit vector for the x component is i, for the y component is j, for the z component is k.

10

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