Vectors

Introduction to vectors

Introduction to vectors. A vector is a quantity that has both a magnitude (or size) and a direction. Both of these properties must be given in order to specify a vector completely. Adding and subtracting vectors and using them in geometry is described.

Cartesian components of vectors

Cartesian components of vectors. Any vector may be expressed in Cartesian components by using unit vectors in the directions of the coordinate axes. These unit vectors in two dimensions and in three dimensions are described.

The Scalar Product

The scalar product. One of the ways in which two vectors can be combined is known as the scalar product. When the scalar product of two vectors is calculated the result, as the name suggests, is a scalar rather than a vector.

The Vector Product

The vector product. One of the ways in which two vectors can be combined is known as the vector product. When the vector product of two vectors is calculated the result is a vector. The unit includes some geometrical applications.