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Vectors

Vectors represent physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction. Scalar quantities only have magnitude. Examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, momentum, acceleration, force and current. Vectors are represented by thick letters or letters with a bar above them. The length of a vector a is denoted as |a| or det(a) and is always non-negative. A space vector is an ordered triad (a1, a2, a3) of real numbers representing the components of the vector. A length or directed line segment vector AB represents the vector from point A to B, possessing length, line of support, and direction. Vectors are equal if they have the same direction and length. A free vector is

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Anurag Malik
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46 views

Vectors

Vectors represent physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction. Scalar quantities only have magnitude. Examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, momentum, acceleration, force and current. Vectors are represented by thick letters or letters with a bar above them. The length of a vector a is denoted as |a| or det(a) and is always non-negative. A space vector is an ordered triad (a1, a2, a3) of real numbers representing the components of the vector. A length or directed line segment vector AB represents the vector from point A to B, possessing length, line of support, and direction. Vectors are equal if they have the same direction and length. A free vector is

Uploaded by

Anurag Malik
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What are Vectors

The dictionary meaning  of word vector is “carrier of any object”. Therefore the vectors in mathematics
and physics are used to represent the direction and magnitude of the motion. Physical quantities are
divided into two categories, scalars quantities and vector quantities. Scalar quantity has only magnitude
but no direction .Those quantities which have both , magnitude and direction are called vector quantities .
Displacement, velocity, momentum, acceleration, force and current are some of the examples of vector
quantities.

Introduction to the Vectors:-

Note 1: Vectors are represented by thick letters or letter with bar.


Note 2:- If a is a vector, then its length is denoted by det of a or a.
Note 3:- If a is a vector, then its length det of ais a scalar and det of ais always non negative.
Space vector:- If a1, a2, a3 are three real numbers then the ordered triad (a1, a2, a3) is
calledspace vector. The real numbers a1, a2, a3 are called first, second and third components of
the space vector (a1, a2, a3).
Length vector:- If A and B  are two points in the space, then the vector of length AB and
direction from A to B is called length vector or directed  line segment. It is denoted by AB. The
point  A is called initial point and the point B is called terminal point of  AB.
Note: A directed line segment (length vector) possesses three characteristics, 1) length
2)support 3) direction. If AB is called the line segment then AB is its length, the straight line AB
in which AB(bar) is a part is called the line of support and the direction is from A to B.
Equality of vectors:- Two vectors are said to be equal if they have same direction and equal
length.
Free vectors:- A vector which is independent of its position is called a free vector.
Localised vectors:- If a is a vector and P is a point, then the ordered pair (P,a) is called
localised vector at P.
Note 1:- If a is a vector and P is a point, then there exist Q such that  a = PQ(bar). The vector
PQ(bar) is called localised vector of a at P. It is denoted by (P,a).
Note 2:-In this chapter we deal with only free vectors. Hence here after words a vector means a
free vector unless otherwise mentioned.
Note 3:-If a is a vector and A is a point in the space, then there exists a unique point B in the
space such that a = AB(bar).
Zero vector:- A vector of zero length zero and having any direction is called a zero vector or
null vector. It is denoted by 0.
Note 1:-If A is a point in the space, then AA(bar) = 0.
Note 2:-A nonzero vector is called a proper vector.

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