Vector Quantities A quantity that doesnt involve direction

Vector Quantities

�A quantity that doesn’t involve direction is a scalar quantity. These include such things as distance, time and speed � A quantity that does involve direction is a vector quantity. These include such things as position, displacement, velocity and acceleration

Displacement � Displacement is the distance an direction traveled between the beginning and end of a trip. If we represent displacement on a number line then, 0 is the reference point. The positive numbers are one direction, usually forward or north or east and the negative numbers are the opposite direction, backward or south or west.

� If my lab is the reference point in the school, identify the displacement for the following places: ◦ The gym ◦ The IA shop ◦ The elementary school

Drawing Vectors � Another way to show vector quantities is to draw a line segment showing direction and size. This is called a vector. A vector must include size, units and a direction in a square bracket; for example 57 m [N]. A vector quantity is represented by a symbol that has a small arrow over it,

Follow these rules when drawing a vector: � Choose a reference point � Decide on an appropriate scale and write it down. For example, 1 cm=10 km � Draw a line to the stated scale, and write the size of the vecotr next to the line � State the direction – usually N, E, W or S as a reference � Add an arrow pointing in the direction of the vector

Actvity: � Using the correct displacement symbols and references identify the location of 3 different items in the classroom based on ____’s desk as a reference point.