A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. In other words, it refers to a physical quantity that is defined by both magnitude and direction. Some of the examples of vectors include displacement, force, velocity, acceleration, and momentum.
<h2>Further Explanation</h2>
Practical example of a vector: the GPS (global positioning system) in your car is meant to guide you through your journey; however, the GPS will provide two sets of information that will help you get to your destination such as 500 feet and then turn left. That is a perfect example of a vector.
An arrow is used to represent a vector and it is in the same direction as the quantity and also its length is proportional to the magnitude of the quantity.
Before a quantity can be said to be a vector, it must be characterized not only by magnitude and direction but must obey some specific rules of combination, that is, it must conform to some basic rules of combination.
For example, for a quantity to be a vector, it must obey the rule of vector addition, which is symbolically expressed as A + B = C.
Therefore, force, acceleration, momentum, velocity, displacement, electromagnetic fields are all typical example of a vector quantity.
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KEYWORDS:
- vector quantity
- acceleration
- force
- magnetic field
- GPS
