Vectors in the Plane
A scalar quantity is a quantity that has the property of size or magnitude but does not possess the property of direction. Examples include: mass, length, time, density, energy, area, volume, and temperature. The real number associated with a scalar quantity is simply referred to as a scalar.
A vector quantity is a quantity that has both properties of magnitude and direction. Examples include: velocity, wind movement, momentum, force, and displacement.
Vector quantities can be represented geometrically by a directed line segment (or arrow) (written as) where the “tail” of the arrow is the initial point and the “tip” of the arrow is the terminal point. These directed line segments are referred to as vectors.
Find out more about vectors in the plane below.
Practice: Answer the following exercises about vectors in the plane.