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Understanding Vectors and Scalars in Physics

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
56 views50 pages

Understanding Vectors and Scalars in Physics

You think I'm play in?
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CONTENT STANDARD:

The learners should be able to solve, using experimental


and theoretical approaches, multi-concept, rich-content
problems involving measurement, vectors, motion in 1D
and 2D, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy, Center of Mass,
momentum, impulse and collisions to promote critical
thinking in problem solving and decision making.
PERFORMANCE
STANDARD:
The learners should be able to solve, using experimental
and theoretical approaches, multi-concept, rich-content
problems involving measurement, vectors, motion in 1D
and 2D, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy, Center of Mass,
momentum, impulse and collisions to promote critical
thinking in problem solving and decision making.
LEARNING TARGETS:
1. I can differentiate vector and scalar
quantities
2. I can identify directions and magnitudes
of vectors
3. Solve addition of vectors and its
component form
LEARNING TARGETS:

4. I can create a diagram of


graphical and analytical
addition of vectors.
VECTORS
VS.
SCALAR QUANTITY
VECTOR SCALAR
-a physical quantity with A physical quantity
DEFINITION both the magnitude and with only
direction magnitude
A number(magnitude), A number
REPRESENTATION
direction using unit cap (magnitude) and
or arrow at the top and unit
unit.
Quantity symbol in bold
SYMBOL and an arrow sign above Quantity symbol

DIRECTION yes no
State whether each of
the following
quantities is a
VECTOR or a
mass
SCALAR:
time
SCALAR
velocity
VECTOR
length
SCALAR:
position
VECTOR
acceleration
VECTOR
temperature
SCALAR:
volume
SCALAR:
distance
SCALAR:
Here are some advantages of knowing
vectors and scalars:
1. Accurate Description of Physical
Phenomena:
Understanding these distinctions allows
for more accurate and complete
descriptions of physical phenomena.
2. Precise Communication: When
communicating about physical
quantities, using the correct
terminology (vector or scalar) helps
avoid misunderstandings.
For example, specifying that a quantity is a vector
makes it clear that both magnitude and direction are
essential, which can be crucial in scenarios like
3. Problem Solving: Vectors are
essential for solving many real-world
problems in physics and engineering.

4. Engineering and Design:


Understanding vectors is critical for
designing structures that can withstand
forces or for optimizing mechanical
5. Navigation and Geospatial
Applications: Navigation systems,
such as GPS, rely on vectors to
determine precise locations on Earth's
surface. Vectors are used to represent
positions, velocities, and directions,
enabling accurate navigation and
tracking.
6. Scientific Research: In scientific
research, understanding vectors
and scalars is crucial for designing
experiments, analyzing data, and
developing mathematical models
that describe physical phenomena
accurately.
Understanding the difference between scalars and
vectors is fundamental in various scientific and
engineering disciplines, as
it helps in accurately describing and predicting the
behavior of physical systems, motion, and forces in
the natural world.
-essential tools for solving complex problems in
science and engineering.
Vector
Representation
and Direction
How to calculate the
magnitude and direction of a
vector.
It's essential to know the coordinate
system or representation being used to
correctly calculate the magnitude and
direction of a vector.
=>When representing a vector on
a Cartesian Coordinate System,
the x and y coordinates of the
point of the arrow will be equal to
the vector’s x and y components.
=> The direction of the vector will
be the angle measured
counterclockwise from the
positive axes.
=>the symbol for vector
quantities is an
italicized capital letter
in boldface or with an
arrow on top.
=>Magnitude of vector
ex. F or /F/
⇒ The direction of the vector is the
acute angle it makes with the
east-west line.
⇒ The word north or south is
written after the measure of the
angle followed by the phrase “of
east” or “of west.”
⇒ => The direction of the vector
will be the angle measured
counterclockwise from the
positive axes.
VECTOR
ADDITION
NOTE:
=a variety of mathematical operations
may be performed on vectors unlike in
scalar quantities
=the directions must be taken into
consideration
NOTE:
=the sum of two quantities is called
the resultant vector or simply
resultant.
R is usually used to represent the
resultant.
METHODS OF
VECTOR
ADDITION
TWO METHODS:
graphical analytical

Laws of sines
parallelogram and cosines

polygon Component method


PARALLELOGRAM METHOD
-steps in determining the resultant of
two vectors:
1. Using a suitable scale, draw the
arrows representing the vectors from a
common point.
1. Two forces A and B are acting on an
object. A is 3 N directed to the north
and B is 4 N, 30 degree of east. Find the
resultant force acting on the object
using the parallelogram method.
PARALLELOGRAM METHOD
2. Construct a parallelogram using the
two vectors as sides
3. Draw the diagonal of the
parallelogram from the common point.
This represents the resultant (R)
PARALLELOGRAM METHOD
4. Measure the length of the arrow
representing the resultant, and from the
scale used, determine its magnitude.
5. Determine the direction of the resultant
vector using a protractor.
• Adding Force Vectors: Two forces are acting on
an object: one of 10 Newtons to the east and
another of 6 Newtons at 30 degrees north of
east. Use the parallelogram method to find the
resultant force.

• Vector A: 10 N east
• Vector B: 6 N at 30 degrees north of east
• Adding Displacement Vectors: Suppose you
walk 5 meters east and then 3 meters north.
Use the parallelogram method to find your
displacement.

• Vector A: 5 meters W
• Vector B: 3 meters 45 degree, NW
• Find the resultant vector by constructing a
parallelogram with sides A and B.
POLYGON METHOD
-otherwise known as the tip-to-tail
method.
=this method is more convenient than the
parallelogram method when two or more
than two vectors are to be added
graphically.
Ex. POLYGON METHOD
let A = 5 m, south
B = 12 m, east
C = 4 m, southwest
D = 6 m, west
• Problem: A treasure hunter is searching for a hidden
treasure in a forest, and their journey involves multiple
legs of movement. The hunter starts at a tree (the
origin) and follows these instructions:
1. Walks 200 meters north.
2. Then, walks 300 meters east.
3. Next, walks 150 meters southwest.
4. After that, walks 100 meters south.
5. Then, walks 250 meters west.
POLYGON METHOD
Steps to be followed:
1. Represent each vector quantity by an arrow
drawn to scale.
2. Starting from the origin, draw the first
vector on the rectangular coordinate
system, accounting properly its direction
POLYGON METHOD
3. Connect the tail of the second vector to
the head of the first vector. Then, connect
the tail of the third vector to the head of
the second vector. You may continue
drawing the vectors head to tail until you
draw the last vector to be added.
POLYGON METHOD
4. The resultant will close the figure
formed by connecting the vectors.
This resultant is drawn from the tail of
the first vector to the head of the last
vector.
POLYGON METHOD
5. Measure the length of the arrow
representing the resultant. Determine the
magnitude of resultant from the scale used

6. Use a protractor to determine the


direction of the resultant.

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