Vector
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Vector
Entities with both a magnitude and a direction.
Examples include Velocity, Force, and Acceleration.
- Related Glossary Terms
Acceleration↗, Component, Cross Productⓘ, Direction, Force, Magnitude, Resultant Vector, Scalar, Unit Vector, Velocity
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 3 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Vector
A vector is a quantity with a magnitude and a direction, represented by an arrow or by components along chosen axes. Vectors add by adding corresponding components rather than simply adding their magnitudes. For example, an eastward displacement followed by a northward displacement produces a resultant pointing northeast. The zero vector has zero magnitude and no unique direction.
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Acceleration
Acceleration is the vector rate of change of velocity with time. It can change an object’s speed, direction, or both, and it is measured in meters per second squared. For example, a satellite moving at constant speed in a circular orbit accelerates toward the center.
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Cross product
A cross product combines two vectors to form a vector perpendicular to both. Its magnitude depends on both magnitudes and the sine of their included angle, while reversing input order reverses its direction. For example, a force whose line of action passes through the pivot gives zero torque cross product about that pivot.