Vectors-Princeton AP Physics I

Vectors

a quantity that involves both magnitude and direction.

Scalar Multiplication

A vector can be multiplied by a scalar (by a number), and the result is a vector.

Commutative Law for Addition

Two vectors are equal when they have the same magnitude and the same direction

Vectors

a quantity that involves both magnitude and direction.

Vector Substraction

not commutative, you must perform the subtraction in the order stated in the problem

Two-Dimensional Vectors

Vectors that lie plat in a plane and can be written as the sum of the horizontal vector and a vertical vector.

Vector Addition

Add the respective components

Vector Subtraction

Subtract the respective

Magnitude of a Vector

Can be computed by the Pythagorean Theorem

Direction of a Vector:

Can be specified by the angle it makes with the positive x-axis