1. VECTORS

2. Motion One-dimensional motion is the simplest form of motion
Motion that takes place in one direction
Motion is forward /backward, but not up or down or left or right

3. Motion takes place over time and depends upon the frame of reference
Frame of reference – a coordinate
system for specifying the precise
location of objects in space; a point that is
used to compare another objects motion

4. Scalar
A SCALAR is ANY quantity in physics that has MAGNITUDE, but NOT a direction associated with it; it has nothing to do with spacial direction
Magnitude – A numerical value with units.
Scalar Example
Magnitude
Speed
20 m/s
Distance
10 m
Age
15 years
Heat
1000 calories

5. Vector
Vector
Magnitude & Direction
Velocity
20 m/s, N
Acceleration
10 m/s/s, E
Force
5 N, West
A VECTOR is ANY quantity in physics that has BOTH MAGNITUDE and DIRECTION.
Vectors are typically illustrated by drawing an ARROW above the symbol. The arrow is used to convey direction and magnitude.

6. More about Vectors A vector is represented on paper by an arrow
1. the length represents magnitude
2. the arrow faces the direction of motion

7. Vectors can be added graphically
Resultant – answer
found by adding
vectors

8. Vectors can be added graphically
The goal is to draw a mini version of the vectors to give you an accurate picture of the magnitude and direction. To do so, you must:
Pick a scale to represent the vectors. Make it simple yet appropriate.
Draw the tip of the vector as an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction.
Use a ruler & protractor to draw arrows for accuracy. The angle is always measured from the horizontal or vertical.

9. Vectors can be added graphically
Vectors can be moved parallel to themselves in a diagram
Vectors can be added in any order
To subtract a vector, add its opposite

11. Determining resultant magnitude
If the movement is a straight line,
Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the resultant

12. Determining resultant magnitude
Pythagorean Theorem for right triangles
d2 = x2 + y2
(Length of hypotenuse)2 = (length of one leg)2 + (length of the other leg)2

13. Determining resultant magnitude

14. Determining resultant direction
To completely describe the resultant you also need to find the direction also
When the resultant forms a right triangle, use the tangent function to find the angle (θ) of the resultant

15. DETERMINING DIRECTIONA B
N of E
N of W
S of E C D
S of W

16. Determining resultant direction
The angle (θ) of the resultant is the direction of the resultant

17. Determining resultant direction
To find just the angle, use the inverse of the tangent function

18. Remember when you solve for the displacement you are looking for the magnitude (d) and the direction (Θ)