An Introduction to the to the concepts of Vectors and Scalars

1. Topic 1 – Physical Measurement 1.3 – Vectors and Scalars

4. For a scalar quantity a “-” sign is (usually) meaningless

6. Time Energy

7. Velocity Speed

8. Distance Acceleration

9. Amount of Substance Force

11. Example:

14. The one vector that can be used to cause the same effect as the group is called the resultant vector.

15. Often (but not always) the resultant is drawn as a double headed arrow.

17. Draw one vector and label it if necessary.

18. Draw the next vector starting at the head of the first one.

19. Carry on doing this until all vectors are drawn.

20. Join the starting point to the end point and mark this as the resultant.

21. Measure the resultant’s length and convert this using your scale into the correct units.

25. What is r = a – b ?

28. This is done using the sine and cosine identies a a x a y θ

33. Example