Scalars can be thought of as numbers, whereas vectors must be thought of more like arrows pointing in a specific direction.Ī Vector: An example of a vector. In contrast, scalars require only the magnitude. Vectors require two pieces of information: the magnitude and direction. These two categories are typified by what information they require. Physical quantities can usually be placed into two categories, vectors and scalars. Distinguish the difference between the quantities scalars and vectors represent.Together, the two components and the vector form a right triangle. The vertical component stretches from the x-axis to the most vertical point on the vector. The horizontal component stretches from the start of the vector to its furthest x-coordinate. He also uses a demonstration to show the importance of vectors and vector addition.Ĭomponents of a Vector: The original vector, defined relative to a set of axes. Andersen explains the differences between scalar and vectors quantities. Simplifying vectors in this way can speed calculations and help to keep track of the motion of objects. Whenever you see motion at an angle, you should think of it as moving horizontally and vertically at the same time.
You should find you have a right triangle such that the original vector is the hypotenuse.ĭecomposing a vector into horizontal and vertical components is a very useful technique in understanding physics problems. To find the vertical component, draw a line straight up from the end of the horizontal vector until you reach the tip of the original vector. This is the horizontal component of the vector. Next, draw a straight line from the origin along the x-axis until the line is even with the tip of the original vector. To visualize the process of decomposing a vector into its components, begin by drawing the vector from the origin of a set of coordinates.
0 kommentar(er)
