Scalars vs Vectors Scalar quantities have only a

Scalars vs. Vectors

Scalar quantities have only a magnitude (amount). Vector quantities have a magnitude and a direction. We represent them as arrows. Distance (d): the separation between two points. Is distance a scalar or a vector? _______ Displacement (Δd): A measure of the change in position. Δd = final position – initial position. The sign of the value for indicates the direction. Is displacement a scalar or a vector? _______

a) what is the distance of Car A from Car B? ______ b) what is the distance of Car B from Car A? ______ c) what is the position of Car A? ______ of Car B? ______ d) what is the displacement of Car A measured from Car B? ______ e) what is the displacement of Car B measured from Car A? ______

Ex: A student walks 5 m east and then 3 m west. a) What is the distance (scalar) travelled? b) What is the student’s displacement (vector)? a) d = 5 m + 3 m = 8 m b) Draw the vector arrows: 5 m east 2 m east 3 m west Resultant or “net” vector When adding vectors we use vector addition or the tip-to-tail method.

Ex: A polar bear meanders 275 m east and then turns around ambles 425 m west. a) What was the distance travelled by the bear? b) What was the bear’s displacement?

Ex: A little girl takes her dog for a walk around a city block as shown. Start/ Finish 125 m N C a) b) c) d) 115 m A 125 m 115 m What is the distance travelled? What is her final displacement? What was her displacement at B? What was her displacement at C? B

Ok this can get a little confusing… Describe the following angles… 1 2 3 θ θ θ 4 5 θ 6 θ θ

Add the following vectors and find their resultant magnitudes and directions. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 15 m East and 25 m North Rem 220 m North and 80 m West add emb er t t i p 2. 2 m South and 1. 8 m North -to- o tail ! 150 m East and 180 m South 45 m South and 30 m East and 15 m North When adding vectors does it matter which one you add first?