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Introduction To Vectors

Vectors are mathematical entities characterized by both magnitude and direction, essential for representing physical quantities like displacement and force. The document covers vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot and cross products, and their geometric interpretations, as well as real-life applications in navigation, physics, engineering, and computer graphics. Understanding vector operations is vital for grasping various physical phenomena.

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23 views10 pages

Introduction To Vectors

Vectors are mathematical entities characterized by both magnitude and direction, essential for representing physical quantities like displacement and force. The document covers vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot and cross products, and their geometric interpretations, as well as real-life applications in navigation, physics, engineering, and computer graphics. Understanding vector operations is vital for grasping various physical phenomena.

Uploaded by

deepanshusingh2506
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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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Introduction to

Vectors
Vectors are mathematical objects that possess both
magnitude (length) and direction. They are used to
represent physical quantities such as displacement, velocity,
and force.

BY :- DIKSHANT
Vector Addition and Subtraction
Addition Subtraction

Adding vectors is done by placing them head-to- Subtracting vectors is similar to adding them, but
tail. The resultant vector is the vector that starts at the second vector is reversed. The resultant vector
the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of is the vector that starts at the tail of the first vector
the second vector. and ends at the head of the reversed second
vector.
Scalar Multiplication
of Vectors
Scaling
Scalar multiplication involves multiplying a
1 vector by a scalar (a number). This results in
a vector with the same direction but a
different magnitude.

Direction
If the scalar is positive, the direction of the
2 resulting vector remains the same. If the
scalar is negative, the direction of the
resulting vector is reversed.
Dot Product of Vectors

1 Scalar Product
The dot product of two vectors is a scalar quantity. It
is calculated by multiplying the magnitudes of the
two vectors and the cosine of the angle between
them.

2 Geometric Meaning
The dot product measures the projection of one
vector onto another. It can be used to determine the
angle between two vectors.

3 Applications
The dot product is used in physics to calculate work
and power.
Cross Product of
Vectors
Vector Product
The cross product of two vectors is a vector quantity. It
is perpendicular to both of the original vectors.

Magnitude
The magnitude of the cross product is equal to the
product of the magnitudes of the two vectors and the
sine of the angle between them.

Direction
The direction of the cross product is determined by the
right-hand rule.
Properties of Vector
Operations
Commutative Vector Dot product: a
Property addition: a + b b=b a
=b+a

Associative Vector Dot product: (a


Property addition: (a + b) c=a
b) + c = a + (b + (b c)
c)
Geometric
Interpretations of
Vector Operations

Vector Addition
The sum of two vectors can be visualized as the diagonal of a
parallelogram formed by the two vectors.

Vector Subtraction
The difference of two vectors can be visualized as the vector
that connects the heads of the two vectors.

Scalar Multiplication
Scalar multiplication scales the length of a vector without
changing its direction.

Dot Product
The dot product can be visualized as the projection of one
vector onto another.
Real-Life Applications
of Vectors
Navigation
1
Vectors are used to represent direction and
speed, which is crucial for navigation
systems in airplanes and ships.

Physics
2
Vectors are used to represent forces,
velocity, and acceleration in physics.

3 Engineering
Vectors are used to represent forces and
stresses in engineering structures.

4 Computer Graphics
Vectors are used to represent positions,
directions, and transformations in
computer graphics.
Visualizing Vectors with Diagrams and
Examples

Opposite Vectors Parallel Vectors Orthogonal Vectors


Two vectors are opposite if they Two vectors are parallel if they Two vectors are orthogonal if
have the same magnitude but have the same direction but may they are perpendicular to each
point in opposite directions. have different magnitudes. other.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Vectors are fundamental mathematical objects with wide-ranging applications in science, engineering, and
technology. They provide a concise and powerful way to represent quantities that have both magnitude
and direction. Understanding vector operations is crucial for developing a deeper understanding of various
physical phenomena.

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