Physics 111: Lecture 2 Todays Agenda

Review of Vectors

Physics 111: Lecture 2, Pg 1

Vectors (review):

In 1 dimension, we could specify direction with a + or - sign. For example, in the previous problem ay = -g etc.

In 2 or 3 dimensions, we need more than a sign to specify the direction of something:

To illustrate this, consider the position vector r in 2 dimensions.

Example: Where is Chicago? Choose origin at Urbana Choose coordinates of distance (miles), and direction (N,S,E,W) In this case r is a vector that points 120 miles north.

Chicago r Urbana

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Vectors...

There are two common ways of indicating that something is a vector quantity: Boldface notation: A
A= A Arrow notation: A

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Vectors...

The components of r are its (x,y,z) coordinates r = (rx ,ry ,rz ) = (x,y,z) Consider this in 2-D (since its easier to draw): rx = x = r cos where r = |r | ry = y = r sin y r x (x,y) arctan( y / x )

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Vectors...

The magnitude (length) of r is found using the Pythagorean theorem: r y 2 2

r r x y

The length of a vector clearly does not depend on its direction.

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Unit Vectors:

A Unit Vector is a vector having length 1 and no units It is used to specify a direction Unit vector u points in the direction of U Often denoted with a hat: u =
y

Useful examples are the Cartesian unit vectors [ i, j, k ] point in the direction of the x, y and z axes

k
z

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Vector addition:

Consider the vectors A and B. Find A + B.

B B

C=A+B B

We can arrange the vectors as we want, as long as we maintain their length and direction!!

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Vector addition using components:

Consider C = A + B.

(a) (b)

C = (Ax i + Ay j) + (Bx i + By j) = (Ax + Bx)i + (Ay + By)j C = (Cx i + Cy j)

Comparing components of (a) and (b): Cx = Ax + Bx Cy = Ay + By By

A Ay Bx Ax

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Lecture 2, Act 2 Vectors

Vector A = {0,2,1} Vector B = {3,0,2} Vector C = {1,-4,2}

What is the resultant vector, D, from adding A+B+C?

(a) {3,5,-1}

(b) {4,-2,5}

(c) {5,-2,4}

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Lecture 2, Act 2 Solution

D = (AXi + AYj + AZk) + (BXi + BYj + BZk) + (CXi + CYj + CZk) = (AX + BX + CX)i + (AY + BY+ CY)j + (AZ + BZ + CZ)k = (0 + 3 + 1)i + (2 + 0 - 4)j + (1 + 2 + 2)k = {4,-2,5}

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