1.
Scalars and Vectors
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Scalars and Vectors
1.3 Operation with Vectors
1.3.1 Vector Addition or Subtraction
1.3.2 Vector Multiplication:
[Link] Dot product
[Link] Cross Product
1.4 Components of a vector
1.1 Introduction
General Procedure for Analysis
Effective way of learning the principles of
engineering mechanics is to solve
problems.
Suggested sequence of steps:
Read the problem carefully and try to
correlate the actual physical situation with
the theory studied.
Tabulate the problem data and draw any
necessary diagrams.
Apply the relevant principles, generally in
mathematical form.
Equations must be dimensionally
homogeneous.
Solve the necessary equations, and report
the answer with no more than three
significant figures.
Study the answer with technical judgment
and common sense to determine whether or
not it seems reasonable.
1.2 Scalars and Vectors
Scalar : A quantity characterized by a
positive or negative number, indicated by
letters in italic such as A, e.g. Mass, volume
and length
Vector: A quantity that has magnitude and
direction, e.g. position, force and moment,
presented as A and its magnitude (positive
quantity) as
E.g. Force, acceleration, Velocity
1.3 Operation with Vectors
Multiplication and Division of a Vector by
a Scalar.
If a vector is multiplied by a positive scalar,
its magnitude is increased by that
amount. When multiplied by a negative
scalar it will also change the directional
sense of the vector.
Vector Addition
• All vector quantities obey the parallelogram
law of addition.
First join the tails of the components at a point so that it
makes them concurrent
From the head of B, draw a line parallel to A.
Draw another line from the head of A that is
parallel to B. These two lines intersect at point P
to form the adjacent sides of a parallelogram.
The diagonal of this parallelogram that extends to P
forms R, which then represents the resultant vector
R=A+B
Parallelogram Law
Use triangle law to add vectors
As a special case, if the two vectors A and B are
collinear, i.e., both have the same line of action, the
parallelogram law reduces to an algebraic or scalar
addition R = A + B, as shown.
Vector Subtraction.
The resultant of the difference between two vectors
A and B of the same type may be expressed as
Application of trigonometry
Example
Two forces act on the hook. Determine the
magnitude of the resultant force.
Use
*Parallelogram law
*Triangle law
*Trigonometry
Exe.
• Determine the magnitude of the
resultant force and its direction
measured anticlockwise from the
positive x axis.
Thank you !!!