Types of Vectors unit vector explained with examples| physics class 11

Introduction

The term "vector" is used in physics to describe an object that has both a magnitude and a direction. Magnitude is the object's size or strength, while direction is the object's orientation.

There are three types of vectors: magnitude-only vectors, direction-only vectors, and vector sums. Vector sums are created when two or more vectors are combined, and the resulting vector has both magnitude and direction.

Vector sums can be created using either graphical or mathematical methods. When vectors are combined using graphical methods, a vector diagram is used to illustrate the combination. When vectors are combined using mathematical methods, a formula is used to calculate the resultant vector.

Vectors

You might be wondering: what are vectors?
At its most basic level, a vector is a quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. It is represented by an arrow that points in the direction of the vector.

Vectors are incredibly important in physics, and are used to model all sorts of physical phenomena. There are various types of vectors, each with their own unique properties. In this article, we will take a closer look at three of the most common types of vectors: magnitude-only vectors, displacement vectors, and velocity vectors.

Unit Vectors

There are three types of vectors: magnitude, direction, and displacement vectors. However, there is a fourth type of vector that is often ignored: the unit vector.

A unit vector is a vector that has a magnitude of 1. It is important to note that a unit vector has a direction, but it does not have a magnitude. This means that the length of a unit vector is always 1, no matter what.

Unit vectors are often used in physics problems, especially problems that involve rotations. They are very useful because they allow you to keep track of the direction of a vector while ignoring its magnitude.

It is important to keep in mind that any two unit vectors should not be regarded as being equal because, despite having the same magnitude, their directions may differ.

The unit vector is also defined as the ratio of original vector by its magnitude.

Position Vectors

Alright, so you know what vectors are. But what are position vectors?
Simply put, position vectors are the vectors that describe the location of a point in space. They are usually represented as directed lines with an arrowhead on one end, pointing in the direction of the vector.

Position vectors can be used to describe the position of an object in space, as well as its orientation. They are used in a variety of physics formulas and equations, so it's important to understand how to use them correctly!

Free Vector:

Free vectors are defined as a type of vector that neither resembles a point nor a line and that can move freely in space despite having a definite magnitude and fixed direction. Free Vector is capable of shifting itself parallel to it. Free vector can move anywhere but always has fixed direction.

Null Vector

If two vectors are perpendicular to one another, the magnitude of their cross product is equal to the product of their magnitudes. The null vector is defined as having zero magnitude and no particular direction.

Null Vector can be produced by adding positive vector with negative vector having same magnitude.

R = A + (-A)

The example of null vector is two forces acting in opposite direction having same magnitude, so the resultant vector will be zero.

Other Types of Vectors in Physics

Now that we know the basics of vectors, let's take a look at some of the other types of vectors you might encounter in physics.
One type of vector is a displacement vector. This is a vector that represents the change in position of an object. It can be used to calculate things like velocity and acceleration.
Another type of vector is a force vector. This is a vector that represents the force exerted on an object. It can be used to calculate things like momentum and energy.
There are also electric field vectors and magnetic field vectors. These represent the force exerted by an electric field or a magnetic field, respectively. They can be used to calculate things like electric potential and magnetic flux.

How to Use Vectors in Physics

Now that we know what vectors are and the different types of vectors, let's take a look at how to use them in physics.
Vectors are used in physics to describe things like motion, force, and momentum. To calculate these things, we need to know both the magnitude and direction of the vector.
The magnitude is the size of the vector, and is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s). The direction is the direction in which the vector is pointing, and is usually given as an angle relative to some reference point.
To use vectors in physics, we first need to find the components of the vector. The components are the parts of the vector that are parallel and perpendicular to a given axis. To find the components, we just need to draw a right triangle with the vector as one of its sides.
Once we have the components, we can then use them to calculate things like speed, acceleration, and force.

Applications of Vectors in Physics

Vectors have many applications in physics. In fact, they are essential for understanding many physical phenomena.
For example, vectors can be used to describe the motion of objects. They can also be used to calculate forces and accelerations. Additionally, vectors can be used to describe electric and magnetic fields.

Conclusion

This was a lot of information on vectors, but hopefully it was helpful! Vectors are important in physics and in real life applications. If you understand how to use and identify vectors, you will be on your way to success in physics.