3.

1 Introduction to
Vectors
Page 82

Section Objectives
Distinguish

between a vector and a scalar.

Add and subtract vectors by using the
graphical method.

Scalar Quantities
Scalars

can be completely described by

magnitude (size)
Scalars can be added algebraically
They are expressed as positive or negative
numbers and a unit
examples include: mass, electric charge,
distance, speed, energy

Vector Quantities
Vectors

need both a magnitude and a

direction to describe them (also a point of
application)
They need to be added, subtracted and
multiplied in a special way
Examples

:- velocity, weight, acceleration,

displacement, momentum, force

Distinguish between a scalar

and a vector.
The

acceleration of a plane as it takes off.

The duration of a flight.
The displacement of the flight
The amount of fuel required for the flight.
The force acting on the plane in the form of
air resistance.

3.2 Vector Operations

Page 86

Section Objectives
Calculate

the magnitude and direction of a

resultant vector.
Resolve vectors into components.
Add vectors that are not perpendicular.

Terminology
Two

or more vectors can be combined

together to form a resultant
A vector that does not lie along the x or y-axis
may be resolved into its components

Calculate the magnitude and

direction of a resultant vector.
Draw

20 south of west.

Draw

20 west of south.

Calculate the magnitude and

direction of a resultant vector.
Use

the Pythagorean Theorem to find the

magnitude of the resultant.

Calculate the magnitude and

direction of a resultant vector.
Use

SOHCAHTOA to find the direction of the

resultant.

Resolve vectors into

components.
Every

vector can be resolved into its x and y

components using trigonometry.
If a vector is located on the x or y axis, then
the other component of that vector is zero.

Resolve vectors into

components.

Add vectors that are NOT

perpendicular
If

the original displacement vectors do not

form a right triangle

1. Resolve each vector into its x- and ycomponents

2. Find the sum of the x- and y-components
3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the
magnitude of the resultant
4. Use the tangent function to find the direction of
the resultant

Adding non-perpendicular vectors

Adding non-perpendicular vectors

Practice #1
A

hiker walks 27.0 km from her base camp at

35 south of east. The next day, she walks
41.0 km in a direction 65 north of east and
discovers a forest rangers tower. Find the
magnitude and direction of her resultant
displacement between the base camp and
the tower.

Check you work!

Page

1.
2.
3.
4.

89
a) 23 km
b) 17 to the east
45.6 m at 9.5 east of north
15.7 m at 22 to the side of downfield
1.8 m at 49 below the horizontal

Check your work!

Page

92
1. 95 km/h
2. 44 km/h
3. x=21 m/s, y=5.7 m/s
4. x=0 m, y=5m

Practice #1
A

bullet travels 85 m before it glances off a

rock. It ricochets off the rock and travels for
an additional 64 m at an angle of 36 degrees
to the right of its previous forward motion.
What is the displacement of the bullet during
this path.

Make
physics
YOUR
business.
Try problems
1-4 on pages
94.

Dr. Miller
says: Time
for some
practice!
Try pages
89 & 92.

Check your work!

Page

94
1. 49 m at 7.3 to the right of downfield
2. 7.5 km at 26 above the horizontal
3. 13.0 m at 57 north of east
4. 171 km at 34 east of north

Problem 3C
1.
2.

216.5 m at 30.0 north of east

2.89 104 m at 21.7 above the
horizontal
4.
1320 km at 3.5 east of north
5.
221 km at 11.2 north of east

Add and subtract vectors by

using the graphical method.

Multiply and divide vectors by

scalars.
Multiplying

or dividing vectors by scalars

results in _________________.
You are in a cab traveling 25 mph east. You
tell the cab driver to drive twice as fast. Your
new velocity is ____________________.
You are in a cab traveling 25 mph east. You
tell the cab driver to drive twice as fast in the
opposite direction. Your new velocity is
________________.

Add and subtract vectors by

using the graphical method.

Add and subtract vectors by

using the graphical method.
T

/F
T/ F

Vectors can be added in any order.

Vectors can be moved parallel to
themselves in diagrams.
Lets see:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/vec
tors/ao.cfm

Calculate the magnitude and

direction of a resultant vector.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vecto

rs/u3l1b.cfm