Scribd
Upload
155 views

Vector Definition

The document defines scalar and vector quantities. Scalars are defined by magnitude alone, while vectors are defined by both magnitude and direction. Examples of scalars include length, area, and temperature. Examples of vectors include velocity, force, and magnetic fields. Vectors can be represented by arrows or directed line segments. The document also provides definitions for equal vectors, negative of a vector, scalar multiplication, parallel vectors, modulus, and the zero vector. It concludes with sample problems demonstrating how to represent vectors graphically and calculate resultant displacements.

Uploaded by

Anand Javier
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
155 views

Vector Definition

The document defines scalar and vector quantities. Scalars are defined by magnitude alone, while vectors are defined by both magnitude and direction. Examples of scalars include length, area, and temperature. Examples of vectors include velocity, force, and magnetic fields. Vectors can be represented by arrows or directed line segments. The document also provides definitions for equal vectors, negative of a vector, scalar multiplication, parallel vectors, modulus, and the zero vector. It concludes with sample problems demonstrating how to represent vectors graphically and calculate resultant displacements.

Uploaded by

Anand Javier
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
You are on page 1/ 22

ECE a211

ELECTROMAGNETICS
VECTOR DEFINITION

BY ENGR. JTM
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the topic……
❑Define scalar and vector quantities.
❑Represent a vector quantity graphically.
❑Apply the definitions of a vector.
SCALAR
• A scalar is a quantity which is completely
characterised by its magnitude alone.
• Scalars are just numbers.
• Lowercase (usually Greek) letters, e.g.α, β, γ are
commonly used to represent scalars.

Example
• Length • Area • Volume • Any number
• Mass • Time • Temperature
VECTOR
• A vector is a quantity which is completely characterised by
two things: its magnitude (or size) and its direction.

Example

• The velocity of a car heading North at 60km/h


• A force exerted on an object.
• The magnetic field of the earth at a given place.
• The simplest example of a vector is a directed line segment (or
arrow). If P and Q are two points, then the directed line
segment from P to Q is the straight line which begins at P and
ends at Q. This vector is denoted by −→ PQ, and we say “the
vector PQ”.
• In navigation, direction is given by a compass bearing, e.g. NE,
N45◦E, N45◦ and 045◦ all refer to a bearing of 45◦ from north
taken in a clockwise direction.
• In mathematics or engineering, direction is typically
measured from a selected axis with angles taken in an
anticlockwise direction.
• All vectors can be represented by arrows or directed line
segments.
Example
This vector diagram shows two forces acting on an
object.
(Scale: 1cm = 10 Newtons)
Definition 1: equal vectors
Two vectors are called equal if they have the same length and
direction.
EXAMPLE:
Example
Each of the vectors below represents the velocity v of
the wind moving across a field. The wind has the same
strength and direction everywhere on the field.
Definition 2: negative of a vector

• The negative of a vector a is a vector with the same


length but the opposite direction.
• It is denoted by −a.
Definition 3 : scalar multiplication
If λ is a scalar and the vectors are related by a = λb then

• if λ > 0, a is a vector in the same direction as b with


magnitude λ times the magnitude of b;

• if λ < 0, a is a vector in the opposite direction to b with


magnitude | λ | times the magnitude of b.
SCALAR MULTIPLICATION
Definition 4: Parallel Vectors

• The vectors a and b in are said to be parallel or


antiparallel( non- parallel) according as λ > 0 or λ < 0
respectively. (Note that we do not insert any
multiplication symbol between λ and b since the
common symbols · and × are reserved for special
uses
Definition 5: Modulus
Definition 6: Zero Vector

The zero or null vector has zero modulus; it is written as


0 or often just as 0 when there is no ambiguity whether
it is a vector or not.
Sample problem 1
Represent graphically:
a. A force of 10 lb in a direction 30 degrees north of east
b. A force of 15 lb in a direction 30 degrees east of north

Solution:
Sample problem 2
After taking off, one plane flew East at 300 km/h and another
flew 45◦ at 400 km/h. Sketch these vectors using the scale 1cm =
100 km/h.
Solution:

Note: The figure is not scaled


Sample Problem 3
An automobile travels 3 miles due north then 5
miles due northeast. Represent these
displacements graphically and determine the
resultant displacement graphically and
analytically
SOLUTION
SOLUTION (CONT)
VECTOR OQ

61.5 °
SOLUTION (CONT)

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy