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Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities

The document explains the differences between scalar and vector quantities, highlighting that scalars are described by a single number while vectors have both magnitude and direction. It covers concepts such as displacement, vector addition, components of vectors, unit vectors, scalar and vector products, and provides examples for clarity. Additionally, it includes mathematical representations for calculating vector components and products.

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Jennah Naguit
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7 views27 pages

Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities

The document explains the differences between scalar and vector quantities, highlighting that scalars are described by a single number while vectors have both magnitude and direction. It covers concepts such as displacement, vector addition, components of vectors, unit vectors, scalar and vector products, and provides examples for clarity. Additionally, it includes mathematical representations for calculating vector components and products.

Uploaded by

Jennah Naguit
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

Scalar Quantity

is a physical quantity


described by a single number.
Example: 6 kg, 3 s, height,
etc.
Vector Quantity
has both magnitude (“how much”
or “how big” part) and direction.
Examples: 3m North, -9.8 m/s,
force, etc.
Represented by placing an arrow
above them.
Displacement
Simplest vector quantity
Simply the change of
position from one point to
the other.
Vector Quantity
 Equal Vectors – if they have the same magnitude
and the same direction.
 Parallel Vectors – if they have the same direction.
 Negative of a Vector – if they have the same
magnitude but opposite in direction.
 Antiparallel Vectors – if they have the same or
different magnitude and opposite direction.
 Magnitude of a Vector – is a scalar quantity and is
always positive.
Vector Addition
The displacement of
2 displacements is
called the vector sum
or the resultant.
Vector Addition
A cross country skier skis 1.00 km
North and then 2.00 km East on a
horizontal snow field. a.) How far
and in what direction is she from
the starting point? b.) What are the
magnitude and direction of her
diplacement?
Components of a Vector
Using scale diagrams offers very
limited accuracy and calculations
with right triangles work only when
two vectors are perpendicular.
Method of Components is a simple
but general method in adding
vectors.
Components of a Vector

Ax = Acosθ
Ay = Asinθ
Components of a Vector
Components of a Vector
 What are the x and y components of vector
D? The magnitude of vector D = 3.00 m, and
the angle α = 45˚.
 What are the x and y components of vector
E? The magnitude of vector E = 4.50 m, and
the angle β = 37.0˚.
Components of a Vector
Example:

72.4 m, 32.0˚ east of north


57.3 m 36.0˚ south of west
17.8 m straight south.
Components of a Vector
After an airplane takes
off, it travels 10.4 km west,
8.7 km north, and 2.1 km
up. How far is it from the
takeoff point?
Unit Vectors
 Is a vector that has a magnitude of 1, with no
units.
 It’s purpose is to point, that is, to describe a
direction in space.
 Has a caret or a “hat” (ĵ).
Unit Vectors
Unit Vectors
Unit Vectors
Given the two displacements
find the magnitude of the displacement .
Scalar Product
is also called the dot product.
Scalar Product
Scalar Product
1. Find the scalar product of A and B.
The magnitudes of the vectors are
A=4.00 and B=5.00.
2. Find the angle between the two
vectors.
Vector Product
 is also called the cross product.

𝐴×𝐵
𝐶 =𝐴×𝐵

𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Vector Product
𝑖×𝑖=𝑗×𝑗=𝑘×𝑘 =0

𝑖 × 𝑗 = −𝑗 × 𝑖 = 𝑘

𝑗 × 𝑘 = −𝑘 × 𝑗 = 𝑖

𝑘 × 𝑖 = −𝑖 × 𝑘 = 𝑗
Vector Product
𝐴 × 𝐵 = 𝐴𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘 × (𝐵𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐵𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐵𝑧 𝑘 )

𝐴 × 𝐵 = 𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑧 − 𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑦 𝑖 + 𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑥 − 𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑧 𝑗 + (𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑦 − 𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑥 )𝑘
Vector Product
𝐶 =𝐴×𝐵

𝐶𝑥 = 𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑧 − 𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑦

𝐶𝑦 = 𝐴𝑧 𝐵𝑥 − 𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑧

𝐶𝑧 = 𝐴𝑥 𝐵𝑦 − 𝐴𝑦 𝐵𝑥
Vector Product
Vector A has a magnitude 6 units
and is in the direction of the +x
axis. Vector B has a magnitude of 4
units and lies in the xy-plane,
making and angle of 30˚ with the
+x axis. Find the vector product of
A and B.
Questions….
Spot Check….

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