A scalar quantity has magnitude but no particular direction.

A
vector quantity has magnitude and acts in a particular direction.
Equations of motion link together distance travelled, initial and
final velocities, acceleration and time. A resultant vector can be
determined using a scale diagram or by calculation.
Scalar and vector quantities
The direction that an object is travelling in is important when describing its motion.
For example, two cars may be travelling at 15 m/s. If they are side by side and travelling in the
same direction, their relative speed is zero. Someone looking across from one car to the other
will see the other car keeping pace with them. However, if the two cars are travelling in opposite
directions, their relative speed will be 30 m/s (15 + 15).
The direction is important for some quantities but not for others.

Scalar quantities
A scalar quantity is a quantity in which direction is not important. All that matters is
its magnitude (its size). For example, these quantities are scalar:
 time
 mass

Vector quantities
A vector quantity is a quantity in which direction is important. For example, these quantities
are vector:
 force
 acceleration
The difference between scalar and vector quantities is an important one.
Speed is a scalar quantity – it is the rate of change in the distance travelled by an object, while
velocity is a vector quantity – it is the speed of an object in a particular direction.

Resultant of two parallel vectors

A resultant vector is a single vector that would replace two other vectors.
It is easy to calculate if the two vectors are parallel to each other. You just add the two vectors
together, taking into account their direction. This works for forces and for velocities.
Here are some examples.

Example 1
Two forces, 5 N and 8 N, act in the same direction.
The resultant force is 5 + 8 = 13 N.
Example 2
Two objects travel in opposite directions, one at 5 m/s and the other at 8 m/s.
The resultant velocity is 3 m/s in the direction of the 8 m/s object.

Note that it does not matter which velocity we assume to be positive and which we assume to be
negative. In the example above, if we reverse the directions the resultant velocity is still 3 m/s
in the direction of the 8 m/s object:

Calculating distance travelled

Distance from average speed
For any journey, the distance travelled can be calculated using this equation:
distance = average speed × time
For example, a car travels at an average speed of 30 m/s for 60 s:
distance = 30 × 60 = 1800 m

Distance from initial and final velocities

This equation shows how to calculate the distance travelled if you know the initial and final
velocities:
s =(u+v)/2 x t
where:

s = distance in m

u = initial speed (speed at the start) in m/s

v = final speed (speed at the end) in m/s

t = time taken in s
For example, a car accelerates from 20 m/s to 30 m/s in 4 s:
s= (20 + 30)
/2 x 4
s= 50
/2 x 4
s = 25 x 4 = 100 m

Rearranging the equation

You may need to rearrange the equation above. For example, you could use it to find the time
taken for a journey, or the final velocity. Here are two ways it could be rearranged:
t= /(u + v)
2s

v= 2s
/t - u

Calculating speed
Final speed
The final speed of a travelling object can be calculated using this equation:
v = u + at
where:

v = final speed in m

u = initial speed in m/s

a = acceleration in m/s2 (assuming that the acceleration is uniform or constant)

t = time taken in s
For example, a car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 3 m/s 2 for 10 s:
final speed
= 0 + (3 × 10)

= 0 + 30 = 30 m/s

Initial speed
The equation above can be rearranged to find the initial speed if you know the final speed,
acceleration and journey time:
u = v - at
For example, a car reaches 25 m/s after accelerating at 2 m/s for 5 s:
initial speed
= 25 – (2 × 5)

= 25 – 10 = 15 m/s
Read on if you're taking the higher paper.

More equations – Higher tier

Distance travelled
The distance travelled can also be calculated using this equation:
s = ut + 1/2at2
where:
s = distance travelled in m

u = initial velocity in m/s

a = acceleration in m/s

t = time taken in s
For example, a car accelerates at 4 m/s2 for 5 s from an initial velocity of 10 m/s:
distance travelled =

= 50 + 50 = 100 m

Final velocity
The final velocity, v, can be calculated using this equation:
v2 = u2 + 2as
For example, what is the final velocity of the car in the example above?
u = 10 m/s
a = 4 m/s2
s = 100 m
v2
= 102 + (2 × 4 × 100)

= 100 + 800 = 900

v is the square root of 900, so
v = √900 = 30 m/s
Note that the equations in this Revision Bite are often called 'suvat' equations because they
involve s, u, v, a and t. You need to be prepared to rearrange them before using them.

Vectors – Higher Tier

The resultant vector for two vectors at right angles to each other can be worked out using a
scale diagram, or using a calculation.

Using a scale diagram

In the diagram below, two velocities are at right angles to each other. One is 4 m/s and the
other is 3 m/s.
 The resultant vector of two vectors at right angles
If the diagram is drawn to scale like this, the magnitude (size) of the resultant vector can be
found by measuring the length of the diagonal vector arrow.

By calculation
Pythagoras’ theorem can be used to calculate the resultant vector.
Remember that in any right-angled triangle, the square of the longest side is the sum of the
squares of the other two sides. This can be written in the formula:
a2 + b2 = c2
where c is the longest side.
In the example above, a = 4 m/s and b = 3 m/s.
c2
= 4 2 + 32

= 16 + 9 = 25
c = √25 = 5 m/s

Vectors and scalar quantities

Vectors
Vector quantities have both magnitude (size) and direction.
For example, 11 m east and 15 ms-1 at 30° to the horizontal are both vector quantities.
There are only six vector quantities:
 displacement
 velocity
 acceleration
 force
 weight
 momentum
Vector quantities change when:
 their magnitude changes
 their direction changes
 their magnitude and direction both change
 Scalars
Scalar quantities have only magnitude (size).
For example, 11 m and 15 m s-1 are both scalar quantities.
There are many scalar quantities, for example:
 distance
 speed
 time
 power
 energy
Scalar quantities change when their magnitude changes.
Example
A geostationary satellite is in orbit above the Earth. It moves at constant speed but its velocity is
constantly changing (since its direction is always changing).
 The difference in two vectors quantities = final vector - initial vector
 The difference in two scalar quantities = large value - small value

Play

Take aim and fire with the forces game Cannon.

Play

You can practise calculating equations of motion with the forces game Cannon.
You need to use velocity, gravity and other variables to predict where the cannonball will land.
Give it a shot!
Now try a Test Bite

Mechanics and properties of matter

Vectors - Test
1.
Which one of the following pairs contains one vector and one scalar
quantity?
displacement; velocity
weight; momentum
 speed; force
2.
Diagram 1

The vector diagram above shows two forces acting at a point. The
magnitude of the resultant force is:
28 N
20 N
4N
3.
Diagram 2
A boy walks for 5 km along a direction 53° West of North. Which of the
following journeys would result in the same displacement?
5 km along a direction East of North
4 km North followed by 3 km West
3 km North followed by 2 km West
3 km North followed by 4 km West
4.
Diagram 3
A 4.0 kg box slides with a constant velocity down a slope. The slope
makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal, as shown above.
What is the value of the force of friction acting on the box?
2.0 N
3.5 N
19.6 N
33.9 N
39.2 N
Diagram 4

During a rugby match, a spectator at A walks to C, the opposite corner of

the ground, by walking from B to C as shown in the diagram above.
The distance from A to B is 70 m. The distance from B to C is 160 m.
5.
Use the information and diagram 4 to find the resultant displacement by
scale diagram or otherwise. Then select an answer from the options
below.
187 m
155 m
210 m
175 m
 228 m
6.
Now use the information above to work out the direction of the
displacement. Is it:
54° East of North
72° West of North
66° East of North
72° East of North
66° West of North
54° West of North
Diagram 5

A rope is used to pull a barge at constant speed along a canal.

The rope exerts a force of 210 N at 15° to the direction of travel of the
barge.
7.
Use diagram 5 and the information above to calculate the component of
the force exerted by the rope acting in the direction of travel of the barge.
54 N
203 N
210 N
8.
Use the above information to state the magnitude of the frictional force
acting along the direction of travel of the barge.
54 N
203 N
210 N
Check score

More from Mechanics and properties of matter

Vectors - Answers
You scored 0 out of 8

1.
Which one of the following pairs contains one vector and one scalar quantity?
You did not answer this question.
2.
Diagram 1

The vector diagram above shows two forces acting at a point. The magnitude of the resultant
force is:
You did not answer this question.
3.
Diagram 2
A boy walks for 5 km along a direction 53° West of North. Which of the following journeys would
result in the same displacement?
You did not answer this question.
4.
Diagram 3

A 4.0 kg box slides with a constant velocity down a slope. The slope makes an angle of 30° with
the horizontal, as shown above.
What is the value of the force of friction acting on the box?
You did not answer this question.
Diagram 4
During a rugby match, a spectator at A walks to C, the opposite corner of the ground, by
walking from B to C as shown in the diagram above.
The distance from A to B is 70 m. The distance from B to C is 160 m.
5.
Use the information and diagram 4 to find the resultant displacement by scale diagram or
otherwise. Then select an answer from the options below.
You did not answer this question.
6.
Now use the information above to work out the direction of the displacement. Is it:
You did not answer this question.
Diagram 5

A rope is used to pull a barge at constant speed along a canal.

The rope exerts a force of 210 N at 15° to the direction of travel of the barge.
7.
Use diagram 5 and the information above to calculate the component of the force exerted by the
rope acting in the direction of travel of the barge.
You did not answer this question.
8.
Use the above information to state the magnitude of the frictional force acting along the
direction of travel of the barge.

Vector components
Any vector can be resolved into two components at right angles to each other. These two
components when added together have the same effect as the initial single vector.

Horizontal and vertical components of a vector

is the same as

Expressed mathematically, and

Question
A force of 30 N acts on a box as shown.
 Find the horizontal and vertical components of the 30 N force.
Reveal

Vector components for an object on an incline

Expressed mathematically:

Component of weight parallel to incline =

Component of weight perpendicular to incline =

Question
A 10 kg box slides down a frictionless incline. The incline is at 30° to the horizontal.
Find the component of the weight acting parallel to the incline.
Hide
 Answer

The component of weight parallel to incline

Question
Now find the acceleration of the box down the incline.
Hide
Answer
F = 49 N
m = 10 kg
a=?

F = ma
49 = 10 × a
a = 4.9 ms-2

Adding vectors
When adding vector quantities remember that the directions have to be taken into account.
The result of adding vectors together is called the resultant.
When adding two vectors together:
 the greatest (maximum) resultant is equal to their sum
 the smallest (minimum) resultant is equal to their difference
 the resultant can have any value between these limits depending on the angle between the two
vectors
In problems, vectors may be added together by scale diagram or mathematically.

Question
A woman walks 40m east then 30m south.
Find the total distance travelled
Hide
Answer
Total distance travelled = 40 + 30 = 70 m
Question
Now find the resultant displacement.
Hide
Answer
To do this we need to use a scale drawing.
Use a large scale diagram for accuracy.
Scale 1 cm = 5 m
(Mark starting point A, turning point B and finish point C)
length of vectors consistent with scale

When measured on the scale diagram:

 the resultant displacement between points A and C = 50 m (10cm on the diagram)

Or mathematically:

Size of resultant displacement =

 Direction of resultant displacement
Question
Two forces of value 100 N act on the object shown below.

Find the resultant force on the object.

Hide
Answer
Length of vectors consistent with scale
By scale drawing
Scale 1 cm = 10 N

Size of resultant force = 100 N

 Direction of resultant displacement = 60° to either force

Vector Diagrams

Vector Diagrams

Vector diagrams are diagrams which depict the direction and relative magnitude of a
vector quantity by a vector arrow. Vector diagrams can be used to describe the velocity of a moving object
during its motion.

Vector diagrams can be used to represent any vector quantity.

For example, acceleration, force, and momentum.

How to draw a vector diagram?

A vector arrow is used to represent the direction and relative size of a quantity. It will become a very
important representation of an object's motion.

*In a vector diagram, the magnitude of a vector quantity is represented by the size
of the vector arrow. If the size of the arrow in each consecutive frame of the vector diagram is the same,
then the magnitude of that vector is constant.

A straght arrow represents a vector motion and its length represents its magnitude.
The direction of the force is represented by the direction in which the arrowhead points.

A scale is used to represent the magnitude of the vector

( Magnitude represented by the scale must be accurate)
The direction of the drawing must also be accurate.

Adding Vectors

The net force is the vector sum of all the forces which act upon an object. That is to say, the net force is
the sum of all the forces, taking into account the fact that a force is a vector and two forces of equal
magnitude and opposite direction will cancel each other out.

The net force experienced by an object is determined by computing the vector sum of all the individual
forces acting upon that object. That is the net force is the result(or resultant) of adding up all the force
vectors to find a single vector that will produce the same effect as the two vectors added together.

Observe in the diagram above that a downward vector will provide a partial or full cancellation of an
upward vector. And a leftward vector will provide a partial or full cancellation of a rightward vector. The
addition of force vectors can be done in the same manner in order to determine the net force (i.e., the
vector sum of all the individual forces). Consider the three situations below in which the net force is
determined by summing the individual force vectors which are acting upon the objects.

1. Free-body diagrams for four situations are shown below. For each situation, determine the net force
acting upon the object. Click the buttons to view the answers.
Answer to situation A
The net force is zero Newtons. All the individual forces balance each other (i.e., cancel each other out).

Answer to situation B
The net force is 5 Newtons, left. The vertical forces balance each other (i.e., cancel each other out). The
leftward force (friction) remains unbalanced.

Answer to situation C
The net force is zero Newtons. All the individual forces balance each other (i.e., cancel each other out).

Answer to situation D
The net force is 15 Newtons, up. The upward force of air resistance is only partially balanced by the
downward force of gravity - 15 N of upward force remains unbalanced.

2. Free-body diagrams for four situations are shown below. The net force is known for each situation.
However, the magnitudes of a few of the individual forces are not known. Analyze each situation
individually and determine the magnitude of the unknown forces. Then click the button to view the
answers.

See Answer

How to add non-parallel vectors?

There are two equivalent ways to add vectors graphically: the tip-to-tail method and the parallelogram
method. Both will get you to the same result, but one or the other is more convenient depending on the
circumstances.

Tip-to-Tail Method
We can add any two vectors, A and B, by placing the tail of B so that it meets the tip of A. The sum, A + B,
is the vector from the tail of A to the tip of B.

Note that you’ll get the same vector if you place the tip of B against the tail of A. In other words, A + B and
B + A are equivalent.

Parallelogram Method
To add A and B using the parallelogram method, place the tail of B so that it meets the tail of A. Take these
two vectors to be the first two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, and draw in the remaining two sides. The
vector sum, A + B, extends from the tails of A and B across the diagonal to the opposite corner of the
parallelogram. If the vectors are perpendicular and unequal in magnitude, the parallelogram will be a
rectangle. If the vectors are perpendicular and equal in magnitude, the parallelogram will be a square.

Adding Vector Magnitudes

Of course, knowing what the sum of two vectors looks like is often not enough. Sometimes you’ll need to
know the magnitude of the resultant vector. This, of course, depends not only on the magnitude of the two
vectors you’re adding, but also on the angle between the two vectors.

Adding Perpendicular Vectors

Suppose vector A has a magnitude of 8, and vector B is perpendicular to A with a magnitude of 6. What is
the magnitude of A + B? Since vectors A and B are perpendicular, the triangle formed by A, B, and A + B is a
right triangle. We can use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the magnitude of A + B, which is
Adding Vectors at Other Angles
When A and B are neither perpendicular nor parallel, it is more difficult to calculate the magnitude of A + B
because we can no longer use the Pythagorean Theorem. It is possible to calculate this sum using
trigonometry, but SAT II Physics will never ask you to do this. For the most part, SAT II Physics will want you
to show graphically what the sum will look like, following the tip-to-tail or parallelogram methods. On the
rare occasions that you need to calculate the sum of vectors that are not perpendicular, you will be able to
use the component method of vector addition, explained later in this chapter.

Example

Vector A has a magnitude of 9 and points due north, vector B has a magnitude of 3 and points due north,
and vector C has a magnitude of 5 and points due west. What is the magnitude of the resultant vector, A + B
+ C?
First, add the two parallel vectors, A and B. Because they are parallel, this is a simple matter of
straightforward addition: 9 + 3 = 12. So the vector A + B has a magnitude of 12 and points due north. Next,
add A + B to C. These two vectors are perpendicular, so apply the Pythagorean Theorem:
The sum of the three vectors has a magnitude of 13. Though a little more time-consuming, adding three
vectors is just as simple as adding two.