Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Module 3
Vectors and Their Properties; Operation with Vectors
(SET A)
Learning Objectives:
You should be able to
➢ Differentiate vector with scalar quantities
➢ Describe the vector’s properties
➢ Add and subtract vectors using geometric and analytical methods
In order to describe and quantify a physical object, there are several physical quantities were utilized. In Physics,
a physical quantity is a property of object, material, particle, or system to measure out its quantity. Thus, a physical
quantity can be expressed in combination of numbers, units as well as direction.
Classification of Physical Quantities
1. Scalar Quantities
➢ Those quantities which are specified by magnitude only
➢ Obeys the ordinary laws of Algebra
➢ Examples: distance =15 m; speed = 60 kph
2. Vector Quantities
➢ Those quantities which require both magnitude and direction to
be completely specified.
➢ Can be added and subtracted geometrically as well as
analytically, according to the rules to be given in each particular
case.
➢ Vector in text is represented by boldface variable like
𝒙, 𝒗, 𝒂, 𝑭, 𝒎, 𝑬 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑜𝑛..
➢ Examples: displacement = 15 m, 300 N of E (or N 300 E;
Figure 1: Examples of Vector and Scalar
velocity = 5.0 m/s, East; Force = 50 N, Upward Quantities
Properties of a Vector
There are two defining properties of a vector
1. Magnitude – referring to the size of a quantity that is express in numerical
value.
2. Direction – the line along which anything lies, faces, moves, etc., with
reference to the point or region toward which it is directed.
([Link])
Figure 2: Properties of a Vector
Direction of Vector
There are a variety of conventions for describing the direction of any vector. The methods or conventions of
representing a direction for a vector are as follows:
a. Relative Directions. The simplest way to show direction is with relative directions: to
the left, to the right, forward, backward, up and down.
b. Rectangular Form of Directions. The ordinary way to illustrate the direction of a vector
using rectangular coordinates: +𝑥, −𝑥, +𝑦, −𝑦
c. Cardinal Directions (also known as Cardinal Points). Another common method of
expressing directions using the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.
Each point is perpendicular to one another.
Figure 3: Orientation of
Cardinal Directions
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
+y
For a vector does not point exactly in one of the cardinal directions, apply the use of an
angle. These can be,
+x
d. Polar Form of Directions. Commonly expressed direction of a vector is using the
angle with the positive x-axis.
Example:
(See Figure 4) = 2320
Figure 4: Direction Angle Relative e. Angle of Rotation. Angle of rotation of the vector about its "tail" from east, west,
to +x-axis
north, or south.
Example:
(See Figure 5 Vector A)
Vector A: 250 East of North. A vector A has a direction 250 East of North means that a
vector pointing North has been rotated 250 East. (From North rotated towards East)
Figure 5: Direction of Vectors Using
Angle of Rotation
Graphical Representation of a Vector
• Vector quantities are often represented by scaled vector diagrams that is, a vector quantity can be represented
graphically by means of a directed straight line or arrows.
• The length of the line represents the magnitude of the vector which is also proportional or drawn scale of the
magnitude of a quantity.
• The geometrical line is also the line of action and the arrowhead of the line shows the direction and the point of
application
TIPS: Observe the following to draw a vector
➢ a scale is clearly listed
➢ a vector arrow (with arrowhead) is drawn in a specified direction. The vector
arrow has a head and a tail.
➢ the magnitude and direction of the vector is clearly labeled. Figure 6: How to Draw a Scaled
Vector Diagram
Example:
Draw a vector d = 20 m, 300 West of North using the scale 1 cm = 4 m
1 𝑐𝑚
Convert the unit: 20 𝑚 𝑥 4m
= 5 𝑐𝑚 , means you must draw
5 cm length of the vector arrow in the direction 300 W of N
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Terms to Remember:
Resultant (also known as sum, net, total) is that single vector which would have the same effect as several vectors
combined.
Equilibrant is a vector equal to the resultant but opposite in
direction, and therefore capable of neutralizing the
common effect of several vectors.
Resolution of Vectors is the process of finding the
component of a vector which is given as a resultant
Figure 7: Relation of Resultant and Equilibrant
Collinear Vectors (also known as Parallel Vectors). Vectors of the same or
opposite direction
Operation with Vectors (Addition /Subtraction of Vectors)
A. Geometric Method (also called Graphical Method)
All vectors that are involved here should be represented properly and must be scaled vector diagram, that is, the
length of a vector arrow is drawn with the use of metric scale. The instruments commonly used here are ruler, to
measure the length and protractor, to measure the direction.
A.1. Involving Collinear Vectors: In one-dimensional, or straight-line, motion, the direction of a vector can be given
simply by a plus or minus sign.
Vectors with the Same Direction Vectors with Opposite Direction
General Equation: 𝑹=𝑨+𝑩 𝑹=𝑨−𝑩
Examples:
R = 10,→
1. 3.
4. R = 7, →
𝑹 = 14, to the right
2.
5.
R = 8,
R = 2, rightward
A.2. Involving Non-Collinear Vectors: In two dimensions, however, you should specify the direction of a vector
relative to some reference frame (i.e., coordinate system), using an arrow having length proportional to the vector’s
magnitude and pointing in the direction of the vector.
The head-to-tail method (also known as Polygon Method) is a graphical way to add vectors, described in Figure 8 and
in the steps following. The tail of the vector is the starting point of the vector, and the head (or tip) of a vector is the
final, pointed end of the arrow.
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Example Problem: Determine the resultant of two displacements of the person walking in the city.
X1 = 9 blocks to the +𝑥 X2 = 5 blocks to the + 𝑦
Scale: 1 cm = 1 block
1 𝑐𝑚 1 𝑐𝑚
Convert: 𝒙𝟏 = 9 blocks 𝑥 1 block
= 9 𝑐𝑚 𝒙𝟐 = 5 blocks x 1 block
= 5 𝑐𝑚
Steps in Vector Addition/Subtraction Using Head-to-Tail Method
Step 1. Draw an arrow to represent the first vector (x1) using a ruler and protractor.
Step 2. Now draw an arrow to represent the second vector (x2). Place the tail of the second vector at the head of the first
vector.
Step 3. If there are more than two vectors, continue this process for each vector to be added. Note that in this example,
you have only two vectors, so you have finished placing arrows tip to tail.
Step 4. Draw an arrow from the tail of the first vector to the head of the last vector. This is the resultant, or the sum, of
the other vectors.
Step 5. To get the magnitude of the resultant, measure its length with a ruler. Convert the units.
Step 6. To get the direction of the resultant, measure the angle it makes with the reference frame using a protractor.
1 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘
Convert: 10.3 cm x 1 cm
= 10.3 blocks Answer: 𝑹 = 10.3 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑠, 29.10
The direction used is Polar Form of Direction
X2
cm
Step 1 Step 2 Steps 4, 5, 6
Figure 8: Head-to-Tail Method of Finding Resultant
[Link]
TIPS:
➢ The graphical addition of vectors is limited in accuracy only by the precision with which the drawings can be
made and the precision of the measuring tools. It is valid for any number of vectors.
➢ It is also important to note that the resultant is independent of the order in which the vectors are added.
Therefore, you could add the vectors in any order, and you will still get the same answer.
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Examples: 𝑹 = 𝑷 + 𝑸 + 𝑺 + 𝑻
Sketch of Vector Addition Using Geometric Method
Figure 9 (a): Vectors oriented in their Respective Directions (b) Vectors are being added using Polygon Method or Head-to-Tail to Determine
Resultant as properly scaled
B. Analytical Methods
Vectors require a special kind of addition and subtraction because the result will vary depending on which way
the vector is pointing. Analytical methods of vector addition and subtraction employ geometry and simple trigonometry
rather than the ruler and protractor of graphical methods. Part of the graphical technique is retained because vectors are
still represented by arrows for easy visualization. However, analytical methods are more concise, accurate, and precise
than graphical methods, which are limited by the accuracy with which a drawing can be made. Analytical methods are
limited only by the accuracy and precision with which physical quantities are known.
Resolving a Vector into Perpendicular Components
A vector is separated into its perpendicular components, that is why analytical method is often referred to as
component method. For example, vector A
The vector A, with its tail at the origin of an x, y-coordinate
system, is shown together with its x- and y-components, Ax and
Ay. These vectors form a right triangle. Analytical relationships
among these vectors are expressed with trigonometric
functions of sine, cosine, and tangent.
Defining its components in terms of trigonometric function we
have,
𝐴𝑥 𝐴𝑦 𝐴𝑦
Figure 1: Vector A and its 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝜃 = 𝐴
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝜃 = 𝐴
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝐴𝑥 Figure 2: Mathematical definition
components Ax and Ay of vector A components
Thus, its components will be expressed as
𝑨𝒙 = 𝑨 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 𝑨𝒚 = 𝑨 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽
[Link]
Dimensional_Kinematics/3.04%3A__Vector_Addition_and_Subtraction-_Analytical_Methods
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Calculating a Resultant Vector
A resultant vector is a single vector produced from the sum of all vectors creating an equivalent effect. To find
the magnitude R and direction of resultant vector from its components ∑𝑅𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∑𝑅𝑦 , use the following
relationships:
𝚺𝑹𝒚
𝑹 = √𝚺𝑹𝟐𝒙 + 𝚺𝑹𝟐𝒚 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏 − 𝟏
𝚺𝑹𝒙
Example Problem:
Ijy and Ira are on a hike. Starting from home base, they make the following movements:
A. 12.0 km, 3100
B. 24.0 km, 300
C. 12.0 km, West
D. 20.0 km, North
Determine the magnitude and direction of their overall displacement.
Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
Module 3
Set A
Problem Solving. Follow the procedure in answering the problem.
Alon and Skye are on a hike. Both hikers begin a trip by walking, the first leg A: 2.65 km, 140° from their base
camp, on their second leg B: 4.77 km, 252° and to complete their final leg C: 3.18 km, 332°. What is the magnitude and
direction of their final position from their base camp? Apply polygon method and component method and compare their
results.