Chapter 1 Vectors
Vector analysis is an important aspect of quantifying motion that occurs in more than one physical dimension. Driving a car on a flat surface is an example of motion in two dimensions, whereas, flying a plane through the air is an example of three-dimensional motion.
Let’s begin your study of motion by gaining a foundational understanding of what vectors are and how to represent them visually and mathematically.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Explain the difference between a vector and a scalar
- List common vectors and scalars
- Represent vectors using multiple representations (diagrams, graphs, words, equations)
- Resolve a vector into components
- Define and use unit vector notation
- Add and subtract vectors graphically and mathematically
- Multiply a vector by a scalar quantity
- Take the dot product between two vectors
- Move between the component representation and the magnitude and direction angle representation of vectors.
