direction

Vector Quantities

Definition: A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. It is fully described by these two components.

Characteristics:

• Requires both magnitude and direction for complete description.
• Represented graphically as an arrow: length indicates magnitude, and the arrow points in the direction.
• Follow vector algebra rules, including vector addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication.

Examples of Vector Quantities:

• Displacement: The change in position from start to end point, including direction.
• Velocity: Rate of change of displacement with time, including direction.
• Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity, including direction.
• Force: Push or pull acting on an object, with a specified direction.
• Momentum: Mass times velocity, with direction.