How to Make Vectors

Introduction to make vectors:

Vectors are the physical quantities which can be completely determined by their magnitude and as well as direction and obeys the law of vector addition. For example, force, velocity, weight, momentum etc. A number can specify a vector quantity with its unit along with the direction. The need of vectors is to completely explain the motion in two or three dimension. Let us learn the method to make vectors.

I like to share this Physics Equations of Motion with you all through my article.

Method to make vectors:


A vector quantity is represented by a straight line with a arrowhead over it. The length of the line gives the magnitude of the vector and the arrowhead over it gives the direction of that vector. Suppose a body has a velocity of 50 m/s in north direction. So, draw the vector first choose the scale of length. Let 1 cm is chosen to represent the 10 m/s. Now draw a line OX of length 5 cm in north direction. Put a arrowhead along OX. It will completely represent the velocity of the body. The point X is called the terminal point of the vector and O is called the initiating point of that vector. Point A is also called as head of the vector and point O is called as tail of the vector `vecOX`.  In a simpler from a vector is represented by single letter or alphabet either in bold face or with an arrow over it. For example, a force vector can be represented as  `vecF` or F. There are several types of vectors, such as like vectors, unlike vectors, co initial vectors, unit vector etc. To solve a problem by the method of vectors we have to resolve the components along the horizontal and the vertical. It is the easiest method to solve any problem.

Understanding unit vector equation is always challenging for me but thanks to all science help websites to help me out.

Example to make vectors


Draw a vector of 6 N in east direction.

Solution

To draw the vector first we choose the scale. Let 1 cm represents 2 N of force. So we draw a line OA of length 3 cm in east direction and draw arrow along OA.



O                  A