Scalars and Vectors 2

PHYSICS – Scalars and Vectors
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
Scalars Supplement
• Understand that vectors
and have a magnitude and
direction
Vectors • Demonstrate an
understanding of the
difference between scalars
and vectors and give common
examples
• Determine graphically the
resultant of two vectors
Scalars and Vectors
In Physics, some quantities have values that

depend on direction and some do not.
Scalars and Vectors

Scalar quantities such as mass and volume, are

completely described by a magnitude alone (a
number and a unit). Scalars do not have direction.
Scalars and Vectors

Scalar quantities such as mass and volume, are

completely described by a magnitude alone (a
number and a unit). Scalars do not have direction.
Vector quantities such as forces, are completely

described by a magnitude and direction.
Classify the quantity and put it on its appropriate column.
SCALAR distance
VECTOR
volume
speed
displacement
acceleration
mass
work
power
resistance
force
velocity
weight
pressure
Scalars and Vectors
Scalars are simply added together.
Eg. A mass of 40 kg added to a mass of 60

kg will always give a mass of 100kg.
Representing Vectors
A vector is generally represented in equations by
using an over-arrow or a bold font.
Example:
or
Representing Vectors
A vector is generally represented in equations by
using an over-arrow or a bold font.
Example:
or
In diagrams, they are represented by an arrow

pointing in the correct direction.
Example:
40N
50N
Combining Vectors / Vector Addition
Often in Physics, we need to find what the total
effect of a group of vectors is.
Resultant vector (R) is the vector that causes the

same effect from adding two or more vectors
together.
Resultant vector (R) is the vector that causes the

same effect from adding two or more vectors
together.
The directions for vectors can be represented by

the
positive sign (+) = (forwards, right, up, North,
East)
negative sign (-) = (backwards, left, down, West,
South)
Vectors in the same direction
40N
50N
90N
40N
50N
, to the right
90N
40N 40N
50N 50N
, to the right
90N
90N
40N 40N
50N 50N
, to the right
The (-) sign indicates direction.
90N , to the left
90N
Vectors in the opposite direction
40N 50N
10N
40N 50N
, to the right
10N
40N 50N 50N 40N
, to the right
10N
10N
40N 50N 50N 40N
, to the right
The (-) sign indicates direction.

10N
, to the left
10N
Calculate the resultant vector (magnitude and
direction) of each of the following.
Tip-to-tail Method-Vector Addition
 To do tip-to-tail method, you need the
technical tools like sharp pencil, ruler,
protractor and the paper (graphing or
bond) to show the vectors graphically.
 The output is the connection of vectors

is like a polygon.
Tip-to-tail Method-Vector Addition
• A = 40 m east
B = 30 m north
• B = 30 m north R
• Find R

A = 40 m east
1. Choose a scale that you prefer. Example we will use

scale 1cm = 10m.
2. Measure the resultant vector R with a ruler.
3. Measure angle (direction) with a protractor.
Pythagoras’ Theorem
The Pythagoras’ theorem is a useful method
for determining the result of adding two
(and only two) vectors that make a right
angle to each other.
The Pythagoras’ theorem is a mathematical
equation that relates the length of the sides
of a right triangle to the length of the
hypotenuse of a right triangle.
where
a and b - sides c
b
c - hypotenuse 𝒄= √ 𝒂 + 𝒃
𝟐 𝟐
a
To solve for the magnitude of the resultant
vector (R), use the formula
R
B
A
c. Perpendicular Vectors (vectors at to each other)
1. A man walks at 40 meters East and 30 meters North.

Find the magnitude of resultant displacement and
its vector angle.
R? B=30 m
A=40 m
R? B=30 m
A=40 m
• Add the following velocity vectors
using the
V1 = 60 km/hour east
V2 = 80 km/hour north
3. In this diagram (diagram not to scale),
a. draw the resultant force, and
b. find the resultant force
Z=5 N
Y=12 N
4. A student walks 4 meters to the West,
then 6 meters to the North and finally 4
meters to the West.
a. Draw the individual vectors (A, B, C)
and the resultant vector (R). Use the
scale 1cm = 1 m.
b. Solve the resultant vector (R).

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PHYSICS – Scalars and Vectors

In Physics, some quantities have values that

In Physics, some quantities have values that

Scalar quantities such as mass and volume, are

In Physics, some quantities have values that

Scalar quantities such as mass and volume, are

Vector quantities such as forces, are completely

Scalars are simply added together.

Eg. A mass of 40 kg added to a mass of 60

In diagrams, they are represented by an arrow

Resultant vector (R) is the vector that causes the

Resultant vector (R) is the vector that causes the

The directions for vectors can be represented by

90N , to the left

The (-) sign indicates direction.

 The output is the connection of vectors

1. Choose a scale that you prefer. Example we will use

1. A man walks at 40 meters East and 30 meters North.

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