Скачать или смотреть Introduction physics vector math: vector subtraction, vector opposites and the zero vector.

Part of a vector introduction for physics playlist:    • Physics I:  Vector Introduction  

Introduction physics vector math: vector subtraction, vector opposites and the zero vector.

We start by introducing the idea of the opposite of a vector: a vector with the same magnitude but opposite direction.

Next, we show that adding the opposite yields the zero vector: a vector with zero for each of its components.

Then, we show that multiplying a vector by -1 gives the opposite of that vector. And that adding a vector v to a vector (-1)*v yields the zero vector.

Now we define vector subtraction as "addition of the opposite", and we construct a vector difference geometrically and algebraically.

Finally, we discuss how to construct a vector difference when two vectors have their tails in the same location: The vector difference v-w is a vector pointing from the head of w to the head of v.

Geometric vector subtraction is important in 2D and 3D kinematics, where a displacement vector is defined as a vector difference between final and initial position vectors.