Direction of Movement for Barbara

Thread starter gamer1319
Start date Dec 9, 2010
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Confused Vectors

In summary, vectors are physical quantities with both magnitude and direction that are used in science to represent movement, force, and physical phenomena. The magnitude of a vector can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, and it is the square root of the sum of the squares of its components. The difference between a scalar and a vector is that a scalar only has magnitude while a vector has both magnitude and direction. To add or subtract vectors, their components must be determined and mathematical operations must be used. Vectors can have negative magnitudes, indicating they are pointing in the opposite direction of their positive counterparts.

Dec 9, 2010

gamer1319

Vectors question- CONFUSED!

Blabla

Last edited: Dec 9, 2010

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Dec 9, 2010

NeedsHelp1212

This problem is worded so weird.

Does Barbara see him moving toward the east or toward the west? This question makes no sense since the question just stated he's moving DUE west. How can Barbara have a designated east and west.

Im sorry this question makes no sense. Where is this from?

1. What are vectors and how are they used in science?

Vectors are physical quantities that have both magnitude (size) and direction. They are used in science to represent the movement or force of an object, as well as the direction and magnitude of electromagnetic fields and other physical phenomena.

2. How do you calculate the magnitude of a vector?

The magnitude of a vector can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse (longest side) of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In the case of a vector, the magnitude is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of its components.

3. What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a physical quantity that has only magnitude (size) and no direction, such as temperature or mass. A vector, on the other hand, has both magnitude and direction, and is used to represent physical quantities like displacement, velocity, and force.

4. How do you add and subtract vectors?

To add or subtract vectors, you must first determine their components (magnitude and direction) and then use the appropriate mathematical operations. For example, to add two vectors, you add their components together, and to subtract two vectors, you subtract their components.

5. Can vectors have negative magnitudes?

Yes, vectors can have negative magnitudes. This indicates that the vector is pointing in the opposite direction of its positive counterpart. For example, a velocity vector with a magnitude of -10 m/s would be moving in the opposite direction of a velocity vector with a magnitude of 10 m/s.