vectors

Question 1

define scalar quantities

Answer 1

a quantity that has no direction associated

Question 2

define a vector quantity

Answer 2

quantity with an associated direction

Question 3

define position

Answer 3

the vector quantity based upon a reference point

Question 4

which directions are ‘negative’?

Answer 4

west and south or down
(unless otherwise stated)

Question 5

what are the assumed positive directions?

Answer 5

north, east and up

Question 6

explain what displacement means and how it can be found:

Answer 6

change in position

how far from the starting point?

subtract previous position from current position

Question 7

what is the resultant displacement?

Answer 7

the change in position from

initial position to final position

Question 8

when adding vectors algebraically: how do you find the distance of resultant displacement?

Answer 8

use pythagorean theorem to solve for the hypotenuse (ONLY for right angle vectors)

Question 9

what is the inverse function of tan used for when adding vectors algebraically? + how to use?

Answer 9

to find the direction/angle of the resultant vector (ONLY RIGHT TRIANGLE)

opp / adj =

Question 10

when finding x and y components, what trig functions are you using?

Answer 10

x = cos

y = sin

Question 11

when you sketch: how do you draw the x and y components?

Answer 11

go in the x direction first then go in y direction

ensure the starts both lines up!