http://www.ck12.org Chapter 4. Vectors
CHAPTER
4 Vectors
Chapter Outline
4.1 Graphical Methods of Vector Addition
4.2 RESOLVINGVECTORS INTOAXIALCOMPONENTS
4.3 VECTORADDITION
4.4 GRAVITATIONALFORCE ANDINCLINEDPLANE
4.5 REFERENCES
Drifting is a driving technique in which the driver intentionally over-steers while cornering—causing loss of traction
in the rear wheels—but still maintains control. Though the wheels indicate the car is traveling in one direction,
it is actually traveling a different way. Regardless, the car’s motion can be described by its speed and direction.
Some quantities do not have a direction associated with them. Mass, for example, is a measured number but has no
associated direction. The quantities that do require direction are called vectors. All forces that act on objects are
vector quantities, and most objects are acted upon by multiple forces. To understand how the object moves under
influence of multiple forces, it is often necessary to sum up different vectors. This chapter explains vectors, as well
as how to break them down and add them together.