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Vector Algebra Basic Review of Vectors Definition

Vector algebra involves the study of physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, adhering to vector addition laws. Key types of vectors include equal vectors, null vectors, unit vectors, reciprocal vectors, and negative vectors, with unique properties for each. The document also covers orthogonal resolution of vectors, magnitude calculations, direction cosines, and the definitions of scalar and vector (cross) products.

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3 views3 pages

Vector Algebra Basic Review of Vectors Definition

Vector algebra involves the study of physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, adhering to vector addition laws. Key types of vectors include equal vectors, null vectors, unit vectors, reciprocal vectors, and negative vectors, with unique properties for each. The document also covers orthogonal resolution of vectors, magnitude calculations, direction cosines, and the definitions of scalar and vector (cross) products.

Uploaded by

malathika.2103
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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VECTOR ALGEBRA

Basic Review of Vectors

Definition:

Physical quantities having both magnitude and a definite direction in space. It should follow the law of
vector addition.

Example: Velocity, Acceleration, Momentum, Force, Electric Field, Torque, etc.

Note: Current is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction but it does not follow the law
of vector addition. So, current is a scallar quantity.

Various type of vectors:

1. Equal vectors: Vectors having same magnitude and same direction.

2. Null Vectors: Vectors having coincident initial and terminal point i.e. its magnitude is zero and
it has any arbitrary direction.

3. Unit Vector. Vector having unit magnitude. Unit vector along a ’is à =a^ = a/ |a |

4. Reciprocal Vector: Vector having same direction as a but magnitude reciprocal

to that of a , is known as the reciprocal vector of a Reciprocal vector of a is

5. Negative Vector: Vectors having same magnitude as a but direction opposite to that of a , is
known as the negative vector of a . Negative vector as a is -a vector

s
Orthogonal Reloution of vectors
Resolution gives unique and mutually independent components only if the resolved components are
mutually perpendicular to each other.

Any vector Ain the 3d- right handed rectangular cartesian coordinate system can be represented as
⃗
⃗⃗⃗𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗⋅ + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘
𝑜𝑃 = 𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥
⃗⃗⃗⃗

Where i.j.k are the unit ventors in direction of x, y,z axis respectively and Ax, and Ay,Az are
rectangular components of vector A along x,y,z axis…

Magnitude of vector À is |𝐴| = √𝐴𝑥𝑧 + 𝐴𝑦𝑧 + 𝐴 𝑧 ⅈ


⃗
⃗⃗⃗𝑖 + 𝐴𝑦 𝑗⋅ + 𝐴𝑧 𝑘 /√𝐴𝑥𝑧 + 𝐴𝑦𝑧 + 𝐴 𝑧 ⅈ
Unit vector along A is A=A/|𝐴| = 𝐴𝑥
Direction cosines of vector 𝐴̂

If 𝐴̂ makes angles 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 𝑤ⅈ𝑡ℎ𝒳, 𝒴, 𝒵 axes respectively then direction cosines 𝐴̂ are defined as

Products of vetors

Scalar product or dot prodect

Dot product of two vectors 𝑎̂ 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑏̂ are defined as

Note

i. Dot product is commutative is nature i.e, 𝑎. 𝑏̂=𝑏̂. 𝑎


ii. For two mutually perpendicular vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏 𝑎. 𝑏̂=0
VECTOR PRODUCT OR CROSS PRODUCT

Cross product of two vectors 𝑎̂ 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑏̂ defined as

NOTES:

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