Introduction to Vectors
Online Activity
Directions:
Go to the website http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/vectors/
You will also be able to get there from the course webpage. Use this site to complete the
questions below. When finished, use the ruler, protractor, and graph paper provided to
draw scaled vectors that answer questions #7-12 on the Vector Direction Practice Page
(click on link on bottom of page to get to the problems). You will need to turn in your
answers to the questions and the graphed answers to the problems at the end of the hour.
Questions:
1) What is a vector quantity?
2) How is a vector quantity different than a scalar quantity? Give examples to
support your answer.
3) What conditions must be met for vector quantities to be fully described?
4) Define the following terms in their relation a vector or scalar quantity.
DisplacementDistanceVelocityAcceleration-
5) What is a vector diagram?
6) What is another name for a vector diagram?
7) What three things are present in a vector diagram?
8) In your own words, explain the two ways vector directions are described.
9) Click on the animation. Explain how direction (N, S, E and W) are related to
vector directions given in degrees.
10) What does the length of the arrow represent on a vector?
11) Using a scale of 1cm= 5mi, how many cm would you draw a displacement vector
of 15mi?
12) How do you show the direction of the displacement using a vector?
13) Draw an arrow (vector) and label the tip and tail.
NOW…Click on the Vector Direction Practice Page at the bottom of the webpage.
Use #1-6 as example problems and look at the answers given. Then, draw the
answers, to scale, on your graph paper using your protractor and ruler for problems
#7-12. The answers are on the webpage below to check your work. Turn in your
graphed vectors with this page.