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## Graphical representation of vectors

Vectors are drawn as arrows. An arrow has both a magnitude (how long it is) and a direction (the direction in which it points). The starting point of a vector is known as the tail and the end point is known as the head.

## Directions

There are many acceptable methods of writing vectors. As long as the vector has a magnitude and a direction, it is most likely acceptable. These different methods come from the different methods of representing a direction for a vector.

### Relative directions

The simplest way to show direction is with relative directions: to the left, to the right, forward, backward, up and down.

### Compass directions

Another common method of expressing directions is to use the points of a compass: North, South, East, and West. If a vector does not point exactly in one of the compass directions, then we use an angle. For example, we can have a vector pointing 40° North of West. Start with the vector pointing along the West direction (look at the dashed arrow below), then rotate the vector towards the north until there is a 40° angle between the vector and the West direction (the solid arrow below). The direction of this vector can also be described as: W 40° N (West 40° North); or N 50° W (North 50° West).

### Bearing

A further method of expressing direction is to use a bearing. A bearing is a direction relative to a fixed point. Given just an angle, the convention is to define the angle clockwise with respect to North. So, a vector with a direction of 110° has been rotated clockwise 110°> relative to North. A bearing is always written as a three digit number, for example 275° or 080° (for 80°).

#### Exercise 1: Scalars and vectors

Classify the following quantities as scalars or vectors:

1. 12 km

2. 1 m south

3. 2 m·s−1, 45°

4. 075°, 2 cm

5. 100 km·h−1, 0°

(a)  scalar

(b)  vector

(c)  vector

(d)  vector

(e)  vector

Use two different notations to write down the direction of the vector in each of the following diagrams:

(a)  north; 000º; 360º

(b)  E 60º N, N 30º E; 090º

(c)  S 40º W, W 50º S; 220º

## Drawing vectors

In order to draw a vector accurately we must represent its magnitude properly and include a reference direction in the diagram. A scale allows us to translate the length of the arrow into the vector's magnitude. For instance if one chooses a scale of 1 cm = 2 N (1 cm represents 2 N), a force of 20 N towards the East would be represented as an arrow 10 cm long pointing towards the right. The points of a compass are often used to show direction or alternatively an arrow pointing in the reference direction.

Method: Drawing Vectors

1. Decide upon a scale and write it down.

2. Decide on a reference direction

3. Determine the length of the arrow representing the vector, by using the scale.

4. Draw the vector as an arrow. Make sure that you fill in the arrow head.

5. Fill in the magnitude of the vector.

### Example 1: Drawing vectors I

#### Question

Draw the following vector quantity: $v →$ = 6 m·s−1 North

1 cm = 2 m·s−1

##### Determine the length of the arrow at the specific scale.

If 1 cm = 2 m·s−1, then 6 m·s−1 = 3 cm

##### Draw the vector as an arrow.

Scale used: 1 cm = 2 m·s−1

### Example 2: Drawing vectors 2

#### Question

Draw the following vector quantity: $s →$ = 16 m east

1 cm = 4 m

##### Determine the length of the arrow at the specific scale.

If 1 cm = 4 m, then 16 m = 4 cm

##### Draw the vector as an arrow

Scale used: 1 cm = 4 m

Direction = East

### Exercise 2: Drawing vectors

Draw each of the following vectors to scale. Indicate the scale that you have used:

1. 12 km south

2. 1,5 m N 45° W

3. 1 m·s−1, 20° East of North

4. 50 km·h−1, 085°

5. 5 mm, 225°