CHAPTER 1:

SCALARS AND
VECTORS
MAS FIZA MUSTAFA

mfiza@salam.uitm.edu.my
03-3258 4972
013-7133158
Scalars and Vectors
Problem Solving in Physics
Scalars Versus Vectors
The Components of a Vector
Adding and Subtracting Vectors
Unit Vectors
*Scalar or dot product
*Vector or cross
Units of chapter:
Learning Outcome
By the end of this topic, student should be able to:

1. Differentiate scalar and vector quantity

2. Analyses vector quantity by finding the components of the
vector and how to add and subtract vector.



1-7 Scalars and Vectors

Scalar a numerical value. May be positive or negative.
Examples: speed, distance, height.
Vector a quantity with both magnitude and direction.
Examples: velocity, displacement (e.g., 10 feet north),
force, magnetic field.
For vectors in one
dimension, simple
addition and
subtraction are all that
is needed.
You do need to be
careful about the signs,
as the figure indicates.
When we indicate a vector, we draw an
arrow.
To indicate a vector with a written symbol,
we use boldface for the vector itself, with a
small arrow above it.
When we indicate a
magnitude, we use
Italic or modulus
|r| = 0.5 mi
Concept Test
If two vectors are given
such that A + B = 0, what
can you say about the
magnitude and direction
of vectors A and B?
1) same magnitude, but can be in
any direction

2) same magnitude, but must be in
the same direction

3) different magnitudes, but must
be in the same direction

4) same magnitude, but must be in
opposite directions

5) different magnitudes, but must
be in opposite directions
3-2 Addition of VectorsGraphical Methods
The parallelogram method may also be used; here again the vectors must be tail-to-tip.
3-3 Subtraction of Vectors, and Multiplication of a
Vector by a Scalar
In order to subtract vectors, we define the negative
of a vector, which has the same magnitude but
points in the opposite direction.
Then we add the negative vector.
EXAMPLE 1- subtraction
+
a
b
=
a
-b
a-b
a
b
+ = a
-b
a-b
or
b
b-a
-a
1
2
3-3 Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar
A vector can be multiplied by a scalar c; the result is a vector c that has the
same direction but a magnitude cV. If c is negative, the resultant vector
points in the opposite direction.
a
b
a
b
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
MAKE SURE THE ANGLE IS TAKEN
FROM POSITIVE X-AXIS !!!!
y
x
A vector has a magnitude of 3.50 m and points in a direction that is counterclockwise from
the x-axis. Find the x and y components of this vector.

y
-x
EXAMPLE 2
x
EXAMPLE 3
A vector has a magnitude of 3.50 m and points in a direction that is 35
O
below x-axis. Find the x
and y components of this vector.

y
x
-y
y
x
-y
-x
X = positive (+ve)

Y= positive (+ve)
I II
X = negative (-ve)

Y= positive (+ve)
IV
X = positive (+ve)

Y= negative (-ve)
X = negative (-ve)

Y= negative (-ve)
III
N
E
S
W
How to state the location of the angle?
North of east

N
E
S
W
East of North

Relative to the east
Relative to the North
N
E
S
W
How to know the location of the angle?
West of North
N
E
S
W
North of West
Relative to the north
Relative to the west
N
E
S
W
South of West
N
E
S
W
West of South
How to know the location of the angle?
Relative to the west
Relative to the south
N
E
S
W
East of South
N
E
S
W
South of East
How to know the location of the angle?
Relative to the south
Relative to the east
If the components (x and y) are given and u are asked to find the magnitude and direction
of the vector, it is just the same as the trigonometric concept.
Magnitude
Direction
direction
EXAMPLE 4
Given the component of a vector is, Ax= -22.0m and Ay= 20.0m. Find the magnitude
and the direction of the vector. The direction of the vector must be relative to the
north.
Magnitude
Direction
ContinueEXAMPLE 4
Note that = -42.4 is located in quadrant number 4
which is Relative to the East (South of East or BELOW x-AXIS)

but we are asked to leave the direction relative to
the north, so

The final answer would be

N
E
S
W
West of North
Vector A has a magnitude of 5 and a
direction angle of 40 above the x axis, and
that vector B has a magnitude of 4 and a
direction angle of 15 above the x axis. Find
vector C such that
(a) C = A + B
(b) C = A - B
Try This!!
HINT
1. Find A
x
and A
y


2. Find Bx and B
y


3. Solve for Cx = (A
x
+ Bx)

4. Solve for C
y
= (A
y
+ B
y
)

5. C = Cx + C
y
( The answer in this form is called vector notation)







By using the same method as above, you can solve for (b)