Terms regarding vector
- Unit vector: A vector having magnitude of unity is called unit vector.
- Null (or zero vector) vector: The vector having no magnitude is called Null vector.
- Parallel Vectors: Two vectors having same direction are called Parallel vectors.
- Equal vectors: Two vectors having same magnitude and direction is called equal vectors.
- Negative of a vector: Two vectors having same magnitude but acting opposite in direction is called negative of a vector.
- Collinear vectors: Vectors having an equal or unequal magnitude but acting along the parallel straight lines are called collinear vectors.
- Coplanar vectors: Vectors lying on the same plane are called Coplanar vectors.
Difference between Scalar and Vector Quantities
Scalar |
Vector |
Scalar quantities change with the change in magnitude only |
Vector quantities are specified by both magnitude and direction |
Scalar quantities change with change in magnitude only |
Vector quantities change either with the change in magnitude or with the change in direction or with the change of both magnitude and direction |
Scalar quantities with same units can be added or subtracted according to the ordinary rules of algebra |
Vector quantities cannot be added or subtracted algebraically |
These are represented by ordinary letters |
These are represented by bold-faced letters or letters having an arrowhead. |
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