The gr10 presentation on vectors and scalars

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20. Vectors and scalars
Physics: Mechanics
Grade 10

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Vectors and scalars
A scalar is a physical quantity with magnitude only.
A vector is a physical quantity with magnitude and direction.
Vectors may be represented as arrows where the length of the arrow indicates the magnitude
and the arrowhead indicates the direction of the vector.

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Directions and resultants
The direction of a vector can be indicated by referring to another vector or a fixed point (e.g.
30°
from the river bank); using a compass (e.g. N 30° W); or bearing (e.g. 053°).
The resultant vector is the single vector whose effect is the same as the individual vectors
acting together.

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Properties of vectors
● Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and the same direction.
● A negative vector is a vector that has the opposite direction to the reference positive direction.
● When vectors are added, we need to take into account both their magnitudes and directions.
● The equilibrant is the vector which has the same magnitude but opposite direction to the
resultant vector.

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6. 5
Everything Science www.everythingscience.co.za
For more practice or to ask an expert for help on this
section see:
www.everythingscience.co.za
Shortcode: ESAGH