Vectors scalars

• Scalar quantities


  Physical quantities which can be completely described only by its numerical magnitude (or size) with proper unit
• Scalar quantities can be added, subtracted and multiplied by using ordinary rules of algebra
• Vector quantities


  Physical quantities which require not only numerical magnitude (or size) with proper unit, but also the direction
• Vector quantities cannot be added, subtracted, or multiplied using the usual rules of algebra
• Vector quantities follow their own set of rules known as vector algebra
• Reference frame


  The coordinate system from which the positions of objects are described
• Vector representation


  • Symbolically represented by a letter either capital or small with an arrow over it
  • Graphically represented by an arrow, the length of the arrow gives the magnitude with proper unit, and the arrow head points the direction of the vector
• Steps to represent a vector in coordinate system

  1. Choose and draw a coordinate system

  2. Select a suitable scale

  3. Draw a line in the fixed direction, cut the line equal to the magnitude of the vector according to the chosen scale

  4. Put an arrow along the direction of the vector
• A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but no direction.
• A Vector is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction.