1.1.A—Describe a scalar or vector quantity using magnitude and direction, as appropriate

Describe a scalar or vector quantity using magnitude and direction, as appropriate.

• Scalars are quantities described by magnitude only; vectors are quantities described by both magnitude and direction.
• Vectors can be visually modeled as arrows with appropriate direction and lengths proportional to their magnitude.
• Distance and speed are examples of scalar quantities, while position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are examples of vector quantities.
• Vectors can be expressed in unit vector notation or as a magnitude and a direction.
  • i. Unit vector notation can be used to represent vectors as the sum of their constituent components in the x-, y-, and z-directions, denoted by i, j, and k, respectively. Relevant equation:
  • ii. The position vector of a point is given by r, and the unit vector in the direction of the position vector is denoted r. TOPIC 1.1 Scalars and Vectors Kinematics UNIT 1
  • iii. A resultant vector is the vector sum of the addend vectors’ components. Relevant equations:
• In a given one-dimensional coordinate system, opposite directions are denoted by opposite signs.