Vector

Definition

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is typically represented by an arrow where the length represents the magnitude and the arrowhead points in the direction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vectors can be added graphically using the head-to-tail method or mathematically using components.
2. The resultant vector is the vector sum of two or more vectors.
3. In physics, common examples of vectors include displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force.
4. Vectors are often broken down into their x and y components using trigonometric functions.
5. The dot product and cross product are operations used to multiply vectors, producing different types of results.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a vector from a scalar?
• How do you add two vectors graphically?
• Give an example of a physical quantity that is a vector.

Related terms

Scalar:

A scalar is a quantity that has only magnitude and no direction.

Resultant Vector:

The resultant vector is the single vector which has the same effect as two or more vectors applied together.

Vector Components:

Vector components are the projections of a vector along the axes of a coordinate system.