Vectors have both magnitude and direction, while scalars only have magnitude. Vectors can be represented by arrows with length indicating magnitude and direction by the arrowhead. The resultant vector is a single vector that has the same overall effect as the combination of individual vectors acting together. Properties of vectors include that two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and direction, a negative vector has the opposite direction of the reference positive direction, and vectors must consider both magnitude and direction when added.

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20. Vectors and scalars
Physics: Mechanics
Grade 10

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Vectors and scalars
A scalar is a physical quantity with magnitude only.
A vector is a physical quantity with magnitude and direction.
Vectors may be represented as arrows where the length of the arrow indicates the magnitude
and the arrowhead indicates the direction of the vector.

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Directions and resultants
The direction of a vector can be indicated by referring to another vector or a fixed point (e.g.
30°
from the river bank); using a compass (e.g. N 30° W); or bearing (e.g. 053°).
The resultant vector is the single vector whose effect is the same as the individual vectors
acting together.

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Properties of vectors
● Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and the same direction.
● A negative vector is a vector that has the opposite direction to the reference positive direction.
● When vectors are added, we need to take into account both their magnitudes and directions.
● The equilibrant is the vector which has the same magnitude but opposite direction to the
resultant vector.

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For more practice or to ask an expert for help on this
section see:
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Shortcode: ESAGH