Vectors and Scalars
- the distinction between vector and scalar quantities
- resolution of vectors into two components at right angles
- addition rule for two vectors
- calculations for two perpendicular vectors
Those students who studied separate sciences at GCSE are likely to have encountered the concept of vectors before, while those who studied dual award will need a little more support.
It is important the students are aware of the differences between vector and scalar properties; that being that vectors have a direction. Once they can identify which quantities are which they need to be able to resolve vectors into their two components at right angles, add them and then move on to more complicated calculations involving perpendicular vectors.
Some students, naturally, will struggle with the maths of this, and some may also find visualising this concept difficult. There is some work that can be done to help visualise, including making arrows to represent vectors and arranging these appropriately.
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- ALL
- Teacher guidance
- Presentation
- Information sheet
- External link
Teacher guidance
Episode 201: Scalars and Vectors
A suggested teaching order which is part of the 'Teaching Advanced Physics' scheme from Institute of Physics.
It gives a clear overview of the topic, including teacher notes, student notes, worked examples and practice questions, and will prove invaluable to those new to teaching A level physics.
Teachers new to teaching A level physics will appreciate the practical advice on the last page
Presentation
Vectors Introduction
This interactive resource, produced by the University of Leicester, is designed to enable students to explore vectors, beginning with the definition of a vector followed by the algebra of vectors and the scalar product.
Information sheet
Vectors *suitable for home teaching*
These resources are provided by Mathcentre . Some of the topics covered include an introduction to vectors and the cartesian components of vectors.
Comprehensive notes, with clear descriptions, for each resource are provided, together with relevant diagrams and examples. Each pdf contains worked examples as well as practice questions. The 'Key points' section in the notes provide a useful summary of the ideas presented.
Written from a maths point of view, the first (Introduction to vectors) and last (Cartesian components of vectors) sections of this resource will be useful to a physics teacher to see how vectors are taught and notated in maths lessons and could be used to help plan lessons, as well as to consolidate subject knowledge where necessary.
External link
Vectors
Khan Academy presents a video on Vectors. A vector has both magnitude and direction. We use vectors to describe the velocity of moving objects. In this video, you will learn how to write and draw vectors.
Physics Classroom - Resolution of Vectors
These are notes on how to resolve vectors into two components at right angles.
This is best used as either something to help teachers plan a series of lessons around the subject, or set as homework for the students to read, take notes and support learning that they have done in class.
