A two-dimensional plane that is formed by the intersection of a vertical and a horizontal line is defined as the coordinate plane. A vertical line is a type of straight-line that moves sideways, either left to right or right to left. Likewise, the horizontal line is considered as a type of straight line that moves either from top to bottom or bottom to top. Vertical lines are also known as the y-axis whereas horizontal lines are known as the x-axis. These lines are also known as the perpendicular line that intersects at the point of origin. The point of origin is zero. A coordinate graph or plane is widely used to graph lines and locate points. It is also used as a map that yields precise direction from one point to a different point. A coordinate graph is also known as the rectangular coordinate plane grid. A rectangle is a geometrical shape that is bounded by four parallel and congruent sides. In this article, we shall cover some interesting topics such as, what are vectors, types of vectors, and important points to note about vectors.
What are Vectors?
Any geometrical entity which is composed of both magnitude and direction is defined as vectors. Magnitude is a fundamental term that is used in Physics, it signifies the amount of quantity. The location of any object with respect to the location of another object can be defined as direction. Vectors are generally expressed or represented by the arrows which signify the direction of the vector and the length of the arrow signifies the magnitude of the vector. Thus, they are composed of initial and terminal points. The use of vectors started around the 19th century to find the field of electromagnetic induction. Over a while, the use of vectors has varied. Some examples of vectors are mentioned below.
- Velocity:- It is a vector quantity that can be defined as the rate of change in the position of any object concerning the time given. The standard unit of velocity is a meter per second.
- Displacement:- A one-dimensional quantity representing the length of an object can be defined as displacement. It is also known as the shortest distance.
- Acceleration:- A type of vector quantity where the velocity changes with the time given can be defined as acceleration. The standard unit of acceleration is a meter per second square.
Types of Vectors
To recall, any geometrical entity which is composed of both magnitude and direction is defined as vectors. There are various types of vectors that are classified based on the magnitude and direction of a vector. The following are the types of vectors:
- Two vectors that have the same initial points are defined as the co-initial vectors. The arrow signifies the direction and magnitude of the vector.
- If the angle between two or more than two vectors measures about 90 degrees, then the vectors are known as the co-orthogonal vectors. A right-angle always measures 90 degrees.
- When the direction of two or more two vectors is the same, then the vector is known as the parallel vector. The magnitude of the vectors doesn’t need to be the same.
- When the vectors have the same magnitude but different directions, then the vector is known as the negative vector.
- A type of vector having the same direction and magnitude is known as the equal vector.
- The Vectors having the quantity of magnitude zero can be defined as the zero vector.
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