Difference between revisions of "Vector"
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(Vector moved to Disease vector: separate biology from physics/math) |
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| − | + | The word '''vector''' has many meanings. | |
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| + | *A '''[[disease vector]]''' is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly. | ||
| + | *In [[mathematics]], a '''vector''' is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has [[speed]] and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North). | ||
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| + | *In [[physics]], [[velocity]] is a vector quantity while speed by itself is a ''scalar'' quantity. Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other). | ||
| + | *In [[computer]] science, a vector is data structure which allows random access to its contents but which can also be extended. Typical of this is the [[C++]] [[programming language]] [[Standard Template Library]] use. | ||
| + | *A ''vector processor'' computer carries out operations on many elements of an array at the same time | ||
| + | *''Vector graphics'' are a form of graphics defined by line and shape primitives, compared with ''bitmap graphics'' where they are defined by image data. | ||
Revision as of 22:01, June 24, 2008
The word vector has many meanings.
- A disease vector is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly.
- In mathematics, a vector is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has speed and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North).
- In physics, velocity is a vector quantity while speed by itself is a scalar quantity. Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other).
- In computer science, a vector is data structure which allows random access to its contents but which can also be extended. Typical of this is the C++ programming language Standard Template Library use.
- A vector processor computer carries out operations on many elements of an array at the same time
- Vector graphics are a form of graphics defined by line and shape primitives, compared with bitmap graphics where they are defined by image data.