Vectors in General Physics (PHYS 101)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to vectors in physics, including definitions and properties.

Vector

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Scalar

A quantity that has only magnitude and no direction.

Resultant Vector

The sum of a given set of vectors.

Equal Vectors

Two vectors that have the same magnitude and direction.

Negative Vector

A vector with the same magnitude but opposite direction.

Components of a Vector

Projections of a vector along the x- and y-axes.

Commutative Law of Addition

The order in which vectors are added does not affect the result.

Magnitude

The size or length of a vector.

Angle in Radians

A measure of angle based on the radius of a circle, often used in vector calculations.

Parallelogram Method

A graphical method to add two vectors by drawing vectors from a common origin.

Vector Projection

The representation of a vector along a certain axis.

Unit Vector

A vector with a magnitude of 1, used to specify direction.

Dot Product

A scalar product of two vectors, which measures their magnitude in the same direction.

Cross Product

A vector product that results in a vector perpendicular to the plane formed by the two vectors.

Vector Subtraction

Defined as adding the negative of the second vector to the first.

Projectile Motion

The motion of an object thrown into the air subject to gravity.

Time of Flight

The total time a projectile is in the air from launch to landing.

Torque

A measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate.