Vectors and Scalars : Vectors and Scalars Physics 8/26/2011 Physics 1
Types of Quantities : Types of Quantities Displacement
Velocity
Acceleration
Force
Momentum
Current
Size AND direction!
Vector quantities Distance
Speed
Mass
Energy
Temperature
Size only!
Scalar quantities 8/26/2011 Physics 2
Representing Vectors : Representing Vectors Vectors can be represented by rays whose length implies magnitude (size).
In print, vectors are denoted as boldface letters, ex) F
In handwriting, vectors are denoted with an arrow over the letter,
ex) F 8/26/2011 Physics 3
Resolving Vectors : Resolving Vectors Any vector can be resolved into vertical and horizontal components.
Sometimes vectors can be represented by the size of their horizontal and vertical components. (i-hat, j-hat notation)
Another way to represent vectors is simply to state how “big” the vector is, and state the direction in which it points. (magnitude and direction notation) 8/26/2011 Physics 4
Our Friend, the Right Triangle : Our Friend, the Right Triangle Trigonometry
Sine
Cosine
Tangent
Distance formula 8/26/2011 Physics 5
Practice : Practice Change A = 14.14 m, 45.0° above +x axis to i-hat, j-hat form.
Change B = 6.00 m i + 8.00 m j to magnitude and direction form. ^ ^ 8/26/2011 Physics 6
Practice : Practice Let A = 10.0 m, 60.0° above +x axis
Let B = 15.0 m, 60.0° below +x axis
Find
Component form of A and B
A + B A - B
B – A
-B – A 8/26/2011 Physics 7