VECTORS AND SCALARS

Scalar
a quantity that is specified by a positive or negative
number with a unit; can be added algebraically
Example: distance, mass, speed, energy
Vector
quantity that must be described by a magnitude (number)
and unit, plus a direction; can be added geometrically or
analytically
Example : displacement, velocity, momentum,
acceleration, torque, force

Ax = A sin

Ay = A cos

Tan = Ax/Ay

RESULTANT and EQUILIBRANT

dotted line represents distance travelled from A to B

solid line represents displacement from A to B

Resultant single vector that produces the same effect as

the sum of two or more vectors.
Equilibrant same magnitude as resultant but of opposite
direction.

VECTOR NOTATION:
when handwritten, use a letter with an arrow above,
when typewritten, use boldfaced letter, A
ADDITION OF VECTORS
directions must be taken into account
measurement units must be the same; i.e. you cannot
add velocity vector to an acceleration vector
COMPONENTS OF A VECTOR
projections of the vector along the x and y axes

TO FIND THE RESULTANT:

A. Parallelogram Method ( for 2 vectors)
the resultant of 2 vectors acting at any angle may be
represented by the diagonal of a parallelogram

Ax = A cos

Ay = A sin

the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector R can

be measured graphically or calculated by cosine law and
sine law.
Tan =

A y/ A x
notes in PHYS 210/mads/cscs-psd

B. Polygon Method ( for any number of coplanar vectors)

Start at any convenient point and draw (in a convenient
scale) each vector arrow in turns. They may be taken in
any order of succession. The tail end of each arrow is
attached to the tip end of the preceding one.

EXERCISES:
th
Source: University Physics ,Young and Freedman, 13 ed

Resultant is drawn from the tail of the first arrow to the tip
of the last arrow.
C. Analytical Method
resolve vectors into its x and y-components

R=
Rx = X (summation of x-components)
Ry = y (summation of y-components)
Tan = Ry/Rx
SUBTRACTION OF VECTORS
To subtract vectors, define the negative of a vector, which
has the same magnitude but points in the opposite direction,
then add the negative vector.

A B A ( B)

Source: Physics 8th edition, Cutnell and Johnson

notes in PHYS 210/mads/cscs-psd