A.

1 – Vectors and scalars

Essential idea: Some quantities have direction and magnitude,
others have magnitude only, and this understanding is the key
to correct manipulation of quantities. This sub-topic will have
broad applications across multiple fields within physics and
other sciences.

Nature of science: Models: First mentioned explicitly in a

scientific paper in 1846, scalars and vectors reflected the work
of scientists and mathematicians across the globe for over
300 years on representing
measurements in three- dimensional space.
Understandings:
Identify a quantity as a scalar or vector.

Applications and skills:

• Draw and label vectors including magnitude, point of
application and direction.
• Draw and interpret free-body diagrams showing forces at point
of application or centre of mass as required.
• Add and subtract vectors in the same plane (limited to three
vectors).
• Multiply vectors by a scalar.
• Resolve vectors (limited to two perpendicular components).
Data booklet reference:

AH = A cos  AV A
AV = A sin 


AH

International-mindedness:
Vector notation forms the basis of mapping across the globe

Theory of knowledge:
What is the nature of certainty and proof in mathematics?
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size) and a
spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).

EXAMPLE: A force is a push or a pull and is measured in

newtons. Explain why it is a vector.

SOLUTION: Suppose Joe is pushing Bob with a force of 100

newtons to the north.
Then the magnitude of the force is 100 N.
The direction of the force is north.
Since the force has both magnitude and direction, it is a vector.
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size) and a
spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).

EXAMPLE: Explain why time is a scalar.

SOLUTION: Suppose Joe times a foot race and the winner took
45 minutes to complete the race.
The magnitude of the time is 45 minutes.
But there is no direction associated with Joe’s stopwatch. The
outcome is the same whether Joe’s watch is facing west or east.
Time lacks any spatial direction. Thus time is a scalar.
Vector and scalar quantities
A vector quantity is one which has a magnitude (size) and a
spatial direction.
A scalar quantity has only magnitude (size).

EXAMPLE: Give examples of scalars in physics.

SOLUTION:
Speed, distance, time, and mass are scalars. We will learn about
them all later.

EXAMPLE: Give examples of vectors in physics.

SOLUTION:
Velocity, displacement, force, weight and acceleration are all
vectors. We will learn about them all later.
Vector and scalar quantities
Speed and velocity are examples of vectors you are already
familiar with.

Speed is what your speedometer reads (say 35 km h-1) while you

are in your car. It does not care what direction you are going.
Speed is a scalar.

Velocity is a speed in a particular direction (say 35 km h-1 to the

north). Velocity is a vector.
SCALAR
magnitude
VECTOR

direction
magnitude

Speed Speed Velocity

Direction
Vector and scalar quantities
Suppose the following movement of a ball takes place in 5
seconds.
x/m

Note that it traveled to the right for a total of 15 meters in 5

seconds. We say that the ball’s velocity is +3 m/s (+15 m / 5 s).
The (+) sign signifies it moved in the positive x-direction.

Now consider the following motion that takes 4 seconds.

x/m

Note that it traveled to the left for a total of 20 meters. In 4

seconds. We say that the ball’s velocity is -5 m/s (–20 m / 4 s).
The (–) sign signifies it moved in the negative x-direction.
Vector and scalar quantities
It should be apparent that we can represent a vector as an arrow
of scale length.

x/m
v = +3 m s-1
x/m
v = -4 m s-1
There is no “requirement” that a vector must lie on either the x- or
the y-axis. Indeed, a vector can point in any direction.
Note: that when the vector is at an
-1
s angle, the sign is rendered
3 m
v= meaningless.
v=
4 m s -1
Vector and scalar quantities

PRACTICE:

SOLUTION:
Weight is a vector.
Thus A is the answer by process of elimination.
Combination and resolution of vectors

Consider two vectors drawn to scale: vector A and vector B.

In print, vectors are designated in bold non-italicized print: A, B.
When taking notes, place an arrow over your vector quantities,
like this:
Each vector has a tail, and a tip (the arrow end).

A B
tip tail B
A tip

tail
Combination and resolution of vectors

Suppose we want to find the sum of the two vectors A + B.

We take the second-named vector B and translate it towards the
first-named vector A, so that B’s TAIL connects to A’s TIP.
The result of the sum, which we are calling the vector S (for sum),
is gotten by drawing an arrow from the START of A to the FINISH
of B.

tail tip B
A tip
FINISH

START + B=S
A
tail
Combination and resolution of vectors
As a more entertaining example of the same technique, let us
embark on a treasure hunt.

Arrgh, matey. First,

pace off the first
vector A.
Then, pace off
And ye'll be the second
findin' a vector B.
treasure,
aye!
Combination and resolution of vectors
We can think of the sum A + B = S as the directions on a pirate
map.
We start by pacing off the vector A, and then we end by pacing off
the vector B.
S represents the shortest path to the treasure.

B
A end

S
A+ B = S
start
Combination and resolution of vectors

PRACTICE:

SOLUTION:
Resultant is another word for sum.
Draw the 7 N vector, then from its
tip, draw a circle of radius 5 N: The shortest possible
Various choices for the 5 N vector are vector is 2 N.
illustrated, together with their vector sum: A
Combination and resolution of vectors

c
=
SOLUTION: y x
+
y
Sketch the sum. B x
Combination and resolution of vectors
Just as in algebra we learn that to subtract is the same as to add
the opposite (5 – 8 = 5 + -8), we do the same with vectors.
Thus A - B is the same as A + - B.
All we have to do is know that the opposite of a vector is simply
that same vector with its direction reversed.

-
B
B the vector B
A + -B A
-
B the opposite of the vector B

Thus, A - B = A + - B
Combination and resolution of vectors

SOLUTION:
Sketch in
the difference.

Z=X
-Y
x
-y
Combination and resolution of vectors
To multiply a vector by a scalar, increase its length in proportion to
the scalar multiplier.
Thus if A has a length of 3 m, then 2A has a length of 6 m.
A 2A
To divide a vector by a scalar, simply multiply by the reciprocal of
the scalar.
Thus if A has a length of 3 m, then A / 2 has a length of (1/2)A, or
1.5 m.
A A/2

FYI
In the case where the scalar has units, the units of the product will
change. More later!
Combination and resolution of vectors
Suppose we have a ball moving simultaneously in the x- and the
y-direction along the diagonal as shown:

FYI
The green arrows are just the shadow of the red
y/m

arrow on each axis.

x/m
Combination and resolution of vectors
We can measure each side directly on our scale:
Note that if we move the 9 m side to the right, we complete a right
triangle.
Clearly, vectors at an angle can be broken down into the pieces
represented by their shadows.
y/m

25 m
9m

23.3 m
x/m
Combination and resolution of vectors
Consider a generalized vector A as shown below.
We can break the vector A down into its horizontal or x-
component Ax and its vertical or y-component Ay.
We can also sketch in an angle, and perhaps measure it with a
protractor.
In physics and most
component sciences, we use the Greek
vertical

A letter  (theta) to represent

Ay

Ay

an angle.

From Pythagoras we
Ax have:
horizontal
component A2
= Ax
2
+ Ay
2
.
Combination and resolution of vectors
Recall the trigonometry of a right triangle:
opp Ay
sin  = opp Ay cos  = adj Ax tan  =
hyp A hyp A adj Ax
e
opposite
A tenus
yp o Ay = A sin θ
h  s-o-h-c-a-h-t-o-a
adjacent trigonometric
Ax = A cos θ ratios

EXAMPLE: What is sin 25° and what is cos 25°?

SOLUTION: FYI
sin 25° = 0.4226 Set your calculator to “deg” using your
cos 25° = 0.9063 “mode” function.
Combination and resolution of vectors

EXAMPLE: A student walks 45 m on a staircase that rises at a 36°

angle with respect to the horizontal (the x-axis). Find the x- and y-
components of his journey.

SOLUTION: A picture helps.

Ax = A cos  m
5
=4

Ay

Ay
= 45 cos 36° = 36 m A
Ay = A sin   = 36°
= 45 sin 36° = 26 m Ax

FYI
To resolve a vector means to break it down into its x- and y-
components.