honors physics vectors and scalars. scalar quantity what does it mean to be a scalar quantity? ...
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Honors Physics
Vectors and Scalars
Scalar Quantity
What does it mean to be a Scalar Quantity?
Examples?
Units of measure must be included with the magnitude
Vector Quantities
So what is a Vector Quantity?
Examples?
Units are again very important
Describing Direction
Many methods We will primarily use
these two methods: xy coordinate system Compass Headings
+x+y
N
E
Adding Scalars
Scalars can be added using simple rules of arithmetic
Scalars must represent the same quantity to be added or subtracted
The Units of measure must be exactly the same
Adding Vectors
Adding vectors involves adding magnitude AND direction
The means of addition depends upon the type of vectors being combined.
Three Types of Vectors Colinear Perpendicular Neither Colinear nor Perpendicular
CoLinear Vectors
Vectors which are in exactly the same or opposite directions.
Two Methods of Addition1. Arithmetic
2. Graphically This is a method of drawing the vectors commonly
called the Head-to-Tail Method.
Head-To-Tail Method
Vectors are Drawn as Arrows The length represents the Magnitude The arrow designates the direction
How to Do It Draw the first vector to some convenient scale and in the
proper direction. Draw the next vector to the same scale, starting at the
head of the first vector, and in the proper direction. Continue until all vectors have been added.
Demonstration of Head-To-Tail
The Resultant Vector This is the answer Draw a vector from the tail of the first to the head of the last. Measure its length and direction.
E100m 100m
200m
Adding Perpendicular Vectors
Can be Added using Head-To-Tail Same steps as for Colinear Vectors
Can be added Mathematically We will look at this method tomorrow.
Adding Perpendicular Vectors
Head-To-Tail Draw vector 1 Draw vector 2 at head
of vector 1 Draw and measure
resultant vector
3m
4m5m
53
Neither Colinear nor Perpendicular
Presently these can only be added using the Head-To-Tail Method
We will discuss a mathematical solution for these soon.
Vector Map Activity
Draw each supplied vector to scale and in its proper direction.
Starting Point is downtown Pittsburgh.1. 6.0km East2. 2.5km 30 degrees North West3. 4.0km West4. 7.5km South5. Draw and measure the Resultant Vector
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