Scribd
Upload
384 views4 pages

61 An Introduction To Vectors

This document provides an introduction to vectors, including defining scalars and vectors, discussing geometric and algebraic vectors, position vectors, displacement vectors, and how to calculate the magnitude of vectors. It also covers equivalent, opposite, parallel and directional properties of vectors, illustrated with examples.

Uploaded by

Dan Avrukh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
384 views4 pages

61 An Introduction To Vectors

This document provides an introduction to vectors, including defining scalars and vectors, discussing geometric and algebraic vectors, position vectors, displacement vectors, and how to calculate the magnitude of vectors. It also covers equivalent, opposite, parallel and directional properties of vectors, illustrated with examples.

Uploaded by

Dan Avrukh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Calculus and Vectors How to get an A+

6.1 An Introduction to Vectors

A Scalars and Vectors Ex 1. Classify each quantity as scalar or vector.


Scalars (in Mathematics and Physics) are a) time scalar
quantities described completely by a number and b) position vector
eventually a measurement unit. c) temperature scalar
d) electric charge scalar
Vectors are quantities described by a magnitude e) mass scalar
(length, intensity or size) and direction. f) force vector
g) displacement vector
B Geometric and Algebraic Vectors C Algebraic Vectors
Geometric Vectors are vectors not related to any Algebraic Vectors are vectors related to a coordinate
coordinate system. system.
For example, the directed line segment AB : These vectors are (in general) described by their
components relative to a reference system (frame).
r
For example v = (2,3,1) .

where A is called the initial (start, tail) point and B


is called the final (end, terminal, head or tip) point.
D Position Vector E Displacement Vector
The position vector is the directed line segment The displacement vector AB is the directed line segment
OP from the origin of the coordinate system O to from the point A to the point B .
a generic point P .

Ex 2. Draw the position vectors OA , OB , and OC . Ex 3. Draw the displacement vectors PQ and RQ .

6.1 An Introduction to Vectors


2010 Iulia & Teodoru Gugoiu - Page 1 of 4
Calculus and Vectors How to get an A+

G Pythagorean Theorem

In a right triangle ABC with C = 90 the following


relation is true:
c2 = a2 + b2

(see the figure on the right side).

F Magnitude Ex 4. Consider the following diagram:


The magnitude is the length, size, norm or intensity
of the vector.
r r
The magnitude of the vector v is denoted by | v | ,
r
|| v || , or v .

Find the magnitude of the following vectors:


a) OA
|| OA ||= 2 2 + 2 2 = 2 2
b) AB
|| AB ||= 32 + 12 = 10
c) BC
|| BC ||= 4 2 + 2 2 = 20 = 2 5

G 3D Pythagorean Theorem Ex 5. Consider the cube ABCDEFGH with the side length
In a rectangular parallelepiped (cuboid) the equal to 10cm .
following relation is true:
AG 2 = d 2 = a 2 + b 2 + c 2

Find the magnitude of the following vectors:


a) AB
|| AB ||= 10cm

b) BD
|| BD ||= 10 2 + 10 2 = 10 2cm

c) BH
|| BH ||= 10 2 + 10 2 + 10 2 = 10 3cm

6.1 An Introduction to Vectors


2010 Iulia & Teodoru Gugoiu - Page 2 of 4
Calculus and Vectors How to get an A+

Ex 6. Consider the regular hexagon ABCDEF with


the side length equal to 2m , represented on the
right side. Find the magnitude of the following
vectors:
a) AB
|| AB ||= 2 m
b) AC
|| AC ||= 2( 2 sin 60) = 2 3m
c) AD
|| AD ||= 2(2) = 4m

H Equivalent or Equal Vectors Ex 7. Find three pairs of equivalent vectors in the next
Two vectors are equivalent or equal if they have diagram:
the same magnitude and direction.
For example AB = CD for the vectors represented
in the next figure:

AB = EF
AF = DG
CA = GE
I Opposite Vectors Ex 8. Find three pairs of opposite vectors in the previous
Two vectors are called opposite if they have the diagram.
same magnitude and opposite direction.
r
The opposite vector of the vector v is denoted by AB = CD
r
v . Example: AB = DC HF = BD
CH = EB

Note that AB = BA .
J Parallel Vectors Ex 9. Use the following diagram and identify three vectors
Two vectors are parallel if their directions are either parallel to AG .
the same or opposite.

If v1 and v2 are parallel, then we write v1 || v2 . AG || FE


AG || CB
AG || GD

6.1 An Introduction to Vectors


2010 Iulia & Teodoru Gugoiu - Page 3 of 4
Calculus and Vectors How to get an A+

K Direction Ex 10. Draw each vector given by magnitude and true


To express the direction of a vector in a horizontal bearing.
plane, the following standards are used.
r
Note. Because we use a reference system, the a) r = 2 m at a true bearing of [060]
following vectors may be considered also r
b) a = 5m / s 2 [225]
algebraic.

True (Azimuth) Bearing The direction of the vector


is given by the angle between the North and the
vector, measured in a clockwise direction.
r
Example: v = 5m / s [120] .

Ex 11. Draw each vectors given by magnitude and quadrant


bearing.
r
a) d = 2m[ S 60 E ]
r
b) F = 10 N [W ]
Quadrant Bearing The direction is given by the
angle between the North-South line and the vector.

Example: 5m[ N 45 E ] .
Read: 45 East of North.

Ex 12. Convert each vector.


r
a) v = 5m / s[210] (to quadrant bearing)
r
v = 5m / s[210] = 5m / s[ S 30W ]
Note. 5m[ N 45 E ] = 5m[ NE ] r
Read: 5m North-East. b) d = 25m[ N 30W ] (to true bearing)
r
d = 25m[ N 30W ] = 25m[330]

Reading: Nelson Textbook, Pages 275-278


Homework: Nelson Textbook: Page 279 #1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

6.1 An Introduction to Vectors


2010 Iulia & Teodoru Gugoiu - Page 4 of 4

You might also like