31 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
31 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
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---
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title: Introduction to Vectors
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---
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# Introduction to Vectors.
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A vector is a physical quantity that can be measured (has magnitude in units) and also operates in a particular direction, unlike a scalar which can only be measured. Examples of vectors include velocity, acceleration, force and momentum.
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A vector can be represented by a line drawn, such that:
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- the length of the line represents the <span class="texhtml"><em><strong>magnitude</strong></em></span> of the vetor in a given unit;
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- the direction of the line represents the <span class="texhtml"><em><strong>direction</strong></em></span> in which the vector operates (or acts).
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![vector-representation](https://github.com/xeroxism/myImages/blob/master/FCC_guides/vector-representation.png?raw=true)
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In the figure above, the displacement of A to B is written as <span class="texhtml"><strong> AB</strong></span> (<span class="texhtml"><strong>ā</strong></span> or <span class="texhtml"><strong>a</strong></span>). point A is the origin or initial point and the point B is the head or terminal point. This displacement is equivalent to moving a distance <span class="texhtml"><em>x</em></span> horizontally followed by<span class="texhtml"><em> y</em></span> vertically.
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### The Modulus of a vector
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The modulus of a vector is a positive scalar number that gives magnitude of the vector. It is written like this:
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<span class="texhtml">|<strong>AB</strong>|</span> or <span class="texhtml">|<strong>a</strong>|</span> or simply <span class="texhtml"><strong>AB</strong></span> or <span class="texhtml"><strong>a</strong></span>.
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Where;<span class="texhtml"><br></span>
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|AB| = <span class="texhtml"> √(<i>x</i><sup>2</sup> + <i>y</i><sup>2</sup>)</span>
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### More Information:
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1. [Euclidean vector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclidean_vector).
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2. [Vector and Vector Arithmetic](http://spiff.rit.edu/classes/phys311.old/lectures/vector/vector.html).
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