A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. In other words, a vector quantity is described by a number, a unit, and a direction.
Examples of vector quantities include velocity, acceleration, force, displacement, and momentum. These quantities are commonly represented graphically using arrows to show both their direction and magnitude.
For example, if a car is traveling at a velocity of 50 km/h towards the east, its velocity can be represented as a vector with an arrow pointing to the right (east) and a length of 50 km/h.
Vector quantities can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using vector algebra. For example, if a force of 10 N is applied to an object in the north direction, and a force of 5 N is applied in the east direction, the resultant force can be calculated using vector addition as a force of √125 N towards the northeast direction.
Vector quantities are used in many fields of science and engineering, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, and quantum mechanics. They are essential for describing the behavior of physical systems and making predictions about their future states.
There are countless examples of vector quantities in daily life. The list of some of them is down below!
- Velocity
- Force
- Pressure
- Displacement
- Acceleration
- Thrust
- Linear momentum
- Electric field
- Polarization
- Weight
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