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Phys 01 - Chapter 1

The document introduces vectors and scalars, explaining that vectors require both magnitude and direction while scalars only require a single unit. It outlines how to perform vector addition using graphical and mathematical methods, and covers vector multiplication through dot and cross products. The purpose is to help students understand and perform basic vector operations which are important for physics concepts involving forces, torque, and other vector quantities.

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polotan06
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30 views

Phys 01 - Chapter 1

The document introduces vectors and scalars, explaining that vectors require both magnitude and direction while scalars only require a single unit. It outlines how to perform vector addition using graphical and mathematical methods, and covers vector multiplication through dot and cross products. The purpose is to help students understand and perform basic vector operations which are important for physics concepts involving forces, torque, and other vector quantities.

Uploaded by

polotan06
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction: Vectors

INTRODUCTION
Physical quantities in physics may either be scalar or vector. It is essential to learn how to differentiate
these quantities, especially in operating scalars and vectors mathematically. In this module, you are to
understand, and acquire or enhance your skills in performing vector addition and multiplication.

LEARNING COMPETENCIES
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Differentiate vector and scalar quantities.
2. Perform addition of vectors.
3. Calculate the dot or scalar product of vectors.
4. Rewrite a vector in component form.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:

1. define scalar and vector quantities


2. identify examples of scalar and vector quantities
3. represent scalars and vectors symbolically
4. perform addition of vectors
5. perform dot and cross product

PRE-REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE

1.
1. basic algebra
2. trigonometry

Disclaimer
The theoretical discussion in this module is relatively short. For a much in-depth discussion including the
complete derivations of the formulas, you are highly encouraged to go over to and ask any of the
references mentioned by your teacher during the course orientation. In addition, some texts here were
copied verbatimly from these references. However, for uniformity of notations of the physical variables
used in the formulas, the physics cluster had agreed to use the University Physics, 14th ed. by Young and
Freedman.

Overview: Vectors and Scalars, Addition of


Vectors
1.2.1 Scalars and Vectors
Physical quantities are important in all types of sciences. It quantifies or gives a numerical description of
any physical variable of a material. Some fundamental physical quantities
are, length (meters), mass (grams), time (seconds), mass (grams), temperature (Kelvin/Celsius), and etc. It can be
classified into two types, Scalar or Vector. Scalar quantities are describable by a single unit alone,
whereas Vector quantities requires both magnitude and direction to describe it.

Vector Representa?ons

Representation of vectors are very useful in


understanding topics on forces, torque and etc.
Thus, developing mathematical skills in vectors are
essential.
In representing vectors, variable in letters with
an arrow symbol on top are used. Visual
representation of vectors makes us of an arrow,
where the length denotes the magnitude of the vector,
and the orientation on the arrow tells the directional
description in a certain coordinate system.
Component Form of Vectors
Vectors are often displayed in component form to easily use these vectors on mathematical operations. Since a
vector can be visually represented as a ray, it can give us the value of coordinates in the Cartesian system.
1.1.2 Addition and Subtraction of Vectors
Supposed during the enhance community quarantine (ECQ), your family had a small online business to
cope up with the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. You are tasked to do deliveries along the areas of Metro Cebu. Your
home is located in Labangon. On the same day you have two consecutive deliveries, 1st is in Camputhaw and
then Mabolo. At the end of your last delivery you where wondering how far you were from home.

Graphical Methods of Vector Addition


There are various ways to add vectors. Graphical addition requires two important skills: scaling and
direction orientation. Two types of methods lie under the category of graphical analysis of vectors; Parallelogram
and Polygon Method.
Although in this module, we give emphasis on the mathematical analysis of vectors. We acknowledge
the importance of understanding graphical representation and analysis of vectors. As it can also guide you in
investigation of various problems in physics.

Parallelogram Method and Polygon Method


Vector Opera?ons in Three-Dimensional Space
Operation on Vectors are not limited in two-dimensional space. The diagram in the figure shows the addition of
vectors in 3D.

Mathematical Methods of Vector Addition


Collinear Vectors vs Noncollinear
It is important to be equipped with knowledge in arithmetic algebra and trigonometry in adding vectors
mathematically. Collinearity of vectors are defined as to vectors existing in a line. Its direction could be either up
or down along the vertical axis and right or left in the horizontal axis. Addition of collinear vectors often require
arithmetical algebra only. However, trigonometry is necessary in undergoing operations of non-collinear vectors.
Noncollinear simply means “not existing in one line”. As a result, understanding vectors having
components along different axes is required and not limited to 2 axes.

Parallel and An?-Parallel of Vectors


Vectors that has the same direction are called parallel vectors. If two vectors both has the same
magnitude and direction, therefore these vectors are considered equal regardless of their location in space. Anti-
parallel vectors are the opposite, this defines vectors having opposite directions. Parallel and anti-parallel vectors
are collinear, hence they exist in a same line in space.

As shown in the images;


Addi?on Using Component Method
There are various techniques in adding or subtracting vectors using component method. These
techniques vary on the organization and presentation of values. One thing is common among all, is the
integration of knowledge in addition and subtraction of linear equations, Pythagorean theorem and the
trigonometric functions in solving different unknowns.
Pythagorean theorem is essential in solving the magnitude of the resultant vector. With the calculated
values of the components of the resultant, you can graphically visualized which quadrant it lies on. A right
triangle can be formed with the components as the legs of the triangle. The hypotenuse is the resultant vector.

Remember that a vector must have both magnitude and direction. In getting the value of the direction ,
trigonometric functions must be utilized.
Overview : Unit Vectors and Multiplication of
Vectors

1.2.3 Unit Vectors

👈👈👈
Watch this video
about Visualizing Unit Vectors
While watching, answer these
📌set of ques:ons.
What is unit vector and
how do we symbolically
https://youtu.be/uSpda0RDKRA📌represent it?
How do we represent 2D
📌vectors in unit vector form?
Suppose there are now 3D
vectors, how do we write it in
unit vector form?
Unit Vectors

https://youtu.be/jCkhbKFZgLk

1.2.4 Vector Multiplication


You might think that vectors can only be added or subtracted from another. Vectors can also be multiplied. As a
matter in fact, many quantities in physics are defined in terms of vector multiplication.

Product of a Vector and Scalar


Dot Product

https://youtu.be/0iNrGpwZwog
APPLICATIONS IN REAL LIFE
https://youtu.be/TBpDMLCC2uY

Cross Product
https://youtu.be/eu6i7WJeinw
Examples: Vectors

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