Difference between revisions of "Vector quantity"
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| − | A '''vector quantity''' is | + | A '''vector quantity''' is a measurement that contains both magnitude<ref>Stewart, James. ''Calculus: Early Transcendentals. Brooks/Cole, 2008</ref> and directional information,<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref>. It is different from a [[scalar quantity]], which contains only magnitude. |
| − | Force is an example of a vector quantity. | + | Vectors are usually graphed as arrows in a [[Cartesian coordinate system]], pointing from the origin to a point. |
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| + | Force is an example of a vector quantity, because it includes both a magnitude (push) and a direction (the direction the force is in). | ||
For example, when an airplane is taking off, the air under the wings is exerting a force in an upward direction, gravity is exerting a force in a downward direction, the engine is exerting a force pushing the plane forward, while winds may be exerting forces from side to side. | For example, when an airplane is taking off, the air under the wings is exerting a force in an upward direction, gravity is exerting a force in a downward direction, the engine is exerting a force pushing the plane forward, while winds may be exerting forces from side to side. | ||
Revision as of 03:07, November 1, 2009
A vector quantity is a measurement that contains both magnitude[1] and directional information,[2]. It is different from a scalar quantity, which contains only magnitude.
Vectors are usually graphed as arrows in a Cartesian coordinate system, pointing from the origin to a point.
Force is an example of a vector quantity, because it includes both a magnitude (push) and a direction (the direction the force is in).
For example, when an airplane is taking off, the air under the wings is exerting a force in an upward direction, gravity is exerting a force in a downward direction, the engine is exerting a force pushing the plane forward, while winds may be exerting forces from side to side.
Temperature is an example of a scalar quantity. The temperature is simply a number of units: normal body temperature is 37° Celsius. You can't speak of an upward temperature, or a northeast temperature; it has no direction. The temperature trend however does have a direction (up or down).