Vector Representation - 084102
Vector Representation - 084102
Physical quantities can be divided into two groups- scalars and vectors.
A scalar quantity is one that is defined only by its magnitude. Examples of scalar quantities are
A vector quantity is defined completely by both its magnitude and direction. Examples of vectors
A displacement along a coordinate line can be specified by a real number and depicted by
an arrow. For a displacement of a1 units, we can use the number a1 and an arrow that begins at
any number x and ends at a number x a1 . From the diagram below the magnitude a1 of the
x x+a1 x+a1 x
+
a1 > 0 a1 < 0
Displacements in the plane are more interesting. They have infinite number of possible
directions specified by ordered pairs of real numbers. The displacement (a1 , a2 ) begins at a point
( x, y ) on a plane and ends at ( x a1 , y a2 ) . Its magnitude is given by || (a1 , a2 ) || a12 a22 .
2
This is a vector on a plane with dimension 2.
The most general displacements take place in space with ordered triples of numbers. A
1|Page
This displacement is represented by the ordered triple (a1 , a2 , a3 ) and with magnitude
3
This is a vector in space with dimension 3.
A displacement (a1 , a2 , a3 ) and a scalar (real number) can form a new displacement
expressed as (a1 , a2 , a3 ) ( a1 , a2 , a3 ) .
These algebraic patterns arise naturally in other settings including the analysis of forces.
Vector Notations
vector AB can be represented by a line segment starting from A and ending at B as shown below
NB
2|Page
Types of Vectors
1. Position vector AB occurs when the point A is fixed. A fixed vector could start from the
2. Line vector is such that it can slide along its line of action.
3. Free vector is an unrestricted vector. Such vector can start at any point in space.
DEFINITIONS
A zero vector is a vector with zero magnitude. It is sometimes called a null vector.
A negative vector of vector a is a vector with the same magnitude as a but in an opposite
as BA .
A unit vector is a vector with magnitude 1 that acts in the direction of a particular vector. It is
given by
a
a .
|| a ||
3|Page
COMPONENTS OF VECTORS
R
A
la r
mb B
O
Hence la and mb are called the components of the vector r in the directions of a and b
respectively.
Now consider the components of a vector in directions which are mutually perpendicular to each
other. Take the plane where the position of a point is completely specified by its x and y
coordinates.
R(x, y)
D
r
y
X
O
x N
4|Page
Let i and j be unit vectors in the direction of OX and OY respectively. Thus,
OR ON NR
xi y j
r xi y j
x
The vector r xi y j can be written as , called column vector.
y
R(x, y)
D
X
O
x N
|| OR ||2 x 2 y 2
|| OR || x 2 y 2
|| r || x 2 y 2
5|Page
Direction Cosines of Vector in terms of Components
R(x, y)
D
X
O
x N
The direction of the vector r xi y j is specified by the angles which r makes with the X and
Y axes.
x
Cos
|| r ||
y
Cos
|| r ||
Many of the formulae established for two-dimensional coordinate system can be extended to
6|Page
Z
5
R(2, 3, 5)
O Y
3
2
Let i be the unit vector in the OX direction, j the unit vector in the OY direction and k the
Then OR xi y j zk .
|| r || x 2 y 2 z 2
Let , and represent the angles in which r xi y j zk makes with OX, OY and OZ
x
Cos
|| r ||
7|Page
y
Cos
|| r ||
z
Cos
|r|
EXAMPLE
1. r1 2i 3 j
2. r2 i j k
3. r3 3i 5 j k
Solution
1. | r1 | 13
2. | r2 | 3
3. | r3 | 35
CLASSWORK
1. r1 2i 5 j
2. r2 3i 2 j 6k
3. r3 10i j 2k
8|Page
EXERCISES FOR THE WEEKEND
a. r1 r2
b. r1 r2
a. v1 3i 9 j 2k
b. v2 i 7 j 5k
c. v3 4i 3 j 11k
The norm properties of vectors are very similar to the absolute value properties of real numbers.
In particular,
2.) || a || | ||| a ||
Example
a.) || a ||
9|Page
b.) || b ||
c.) || a b ||
d.) || a b ||
e.) || 2a 3b ||
Solution
a.)
|| a || 12 (2) 2 32
1 4 9
14
d.)
NORMALISATION OF VECTOR
a
a
|| a ||
10 | P a g e
EXAMPLE
1. r1 2i 3 j
2. r2 4i 5 j k
SOLUTION
r1
1. r1
| r1 |
| r1 | 22 32
13
r1
1
13
2i 3 j
r2
2. r2
| r2 |
| r2 | 42 (5) 2
41
r2
1
41
4i 5 j
11 | P a g e
ALGEBRA OF VECTORS
The sum (and difference) of two vectors is defined as the resultant vector. The triangle law of
vector addition is used in adding or subtracting two vectors. This is shown below
B
A
AC AB BC
NB
From the definition of negative vectors, subtraction is the same as the addition of negative
AB BC AB BC
AB CB
Suppose that there are more than two vectors to be added. The triangle law of vector addition can
12 | P a g e
R
Q
S
PQ QR RS ST TU PU
Note that the resultant vector (sum of vectors) is equal to zero if the resulting vector diagram
Example
1. AK KL LP PQ
2. AB CB CD ED
3. AB BC DC AD
4. GH HJ JK KL LG
Solution
Drawing the vector diagram in each case will ease the work.
1. AQ
2. AE
13 | P a g e
3. 0
4. 0
1. Evaluate 2a b c given that a (1, 2,3) , b (3, 0, 1) and c (4, 2,1) .
3. Find the vector PQ and determine its norm given P(1, 2,5) and Q(4, 2,3) .
D
C
a+b
a
a+b
B
A b
AD AB BD b a
AD AC CD a b
a b b a
14 | P a g e
2. Associative law of vector addition
(a b) c a (b c)
P a D
PS PR RS
( a b) c
PS PQ QS
a (b c)
Hence, (a b) c a (b c)
15 | P a g e
a ka
1. a b b a
2. a b c a b c
3. a 0 0
4. a a 0
5. a a
6. a a a
7. a b a b
8. 1 a a
9. 0 a 0
EXAMPLE
a. r1 r2
16 | P a g e
b. r1 r2
EXAMPLE
If OA 3i 5i and OB 5i 2i , find AB .
Solution
AB AO OB
OA OB
(3i 5 j ) (5i 2 j )
2i 7 j
EXERCISES FOR THE WEEKEND
2
v1
3
1
v2
5
7
v3
4
17 | P a g e
4v1 5v2 3v3
18 | P a g e