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Scalars & Vectors - Objectives

Content

• Scalars and vectors
• Combination and resolution of vectors

Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

• distinguish between scalar and vector quantities and give examples.
• use a vector triangle to determine the resultant of two perpendicular vectors by scale drawing or calculation
• use a vector triangle to determine the resultant of two non-perpendicular vectors by scale drawing
• resolve a vector into two perpendicular components, including the components of forces along and perpendicular to an inclined plane.
• understand the independent nature of perpendicular components of a vector
• understand the conditions for equilibrium for two or three coplanar forces acting at a point; problems may be solved either by using resolved forces or by using a closed triangle
• appreciate the meaning of equilibrium in the context of an object at rest or moving with constant velocity

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