Vector Workshop – vol 1矢量车间–卷1.ppt

Vectors What is a vector and how is it expressed? Vector and Scalar Quantities: A scalar is a number that represents some quantified measurement. Physical examples include mass, charge, and energy. A vector expresses a quantified measurement that requires both a magnitude and a direction. Physical examples include displacement, velocity, and force. Graphical Representation of a Vector Note that in two dimensions, a vector can be expressed with an x and y value or a length and direction (specified by an angle). How to Express a Vector Using a Coordinate Pair: vector components Any vector can be expressed as a coordinate set that represents its length along the x and y axes. Finding component lengths is an exercise in trigonometry…let’s examine this 2D vector. How to Express a Vector Using a Coordinate Pair: vector components The vector has length A also denoted by |A| and is rotated away from the x-axis an angle q. Using basic trigonometry identities we can see that Ax = A cos(q) Ay = A sin(q) Given the components of a vector one can find the angle q with the following: tan (q) = Ay/Ax Using the Pythagorean theorem, we also can see that A2 = Ax2+Ay2. Adding and Subtracting Vectors The “Tail to Tip” Method Graphically, vectors can be added by placing the start or tail of one vector at the end or tip of the another. This technique of adding vectors is known as the tail-to-tip method. This method takes advantage of the fact that any vector can be translated in space without changing the vector. Let’s see this method at work Adding Two Vectors Graphically. Adding Two Vectors Graphically. “Tail to Tip” method cont. This method can be used with any number of vectors. This method can also be used for vector subtraction. For vector subtraction, just treat A – B as A + (-B). In other words, just find –B and add that to A. Subtracting Two Vectors Graphically. Subtracting Two Vectors Graphically. Subtracting Two Vectors Graphically. Using t