In the context of physics, vector is the magnitude defined by its direction, its point of application, its quantity and its sense. Depending on their characteristics, we can speak of different classes of vectors.
The etymological origin of this term is found in Latin, which derives exactly from “vector – vectoris”, which can be translated as “the one who leads”. The resulting vector idea can appear when performing the vector addition operation. Using the so-called traverse method, the vectors to be added must be placed next to each other on a graph, with the origin of each vector coinciding with the end of the next vector. The resulting vector is called a vector that has an origin coincident with the first vector and that ends at the end of the vector located at the last position.
VR is the acronym used to refer to the resulting vector that, like the rest of the vectors, when analyzed requires three elements that configure it to be taken into account. We refer to the following:
-The module, which is used to mention the intensity of its magnitude and which is represented by the size of the vector.
-The direction, which refers to the slope of the line.
-The meaning, which has the peculiarity of being represented by what is the arrowhead of the vector in question. Adding vectors with this method involves translating the vectors, causing them to join at their endpoints. So let’s take one vector and place it next to the other, making the origin of one connect to the end of the other. The resulting vector “starts” at the origin of the first vector we take and “ends” at the end of the vector we put in the last space. Remember that, to add vectors with the traverse method, it is essential not to modify the properties: you only have to translate the vectors. It is important to keep in mind that, when realizing this quantity that concerns us, what we must do is resort to some fundamental elements of mathematics and algebra. We refer to the coordinate axes X and Y. Basically, from them and their corresponding sums the resulting vector will be obtained. We also speak of resultant vector with reference to that which, in a system, generates the same effect as its component vectors. A vector that has the same direction and magnitude but the opposite direction is classified as an equilibrium vector. This equilibrium vector already mentioned, which is also called VE, as we have already mentioned, has the opposite direction, it is the opposite in what they are 180º.
In addition to those mentioned, there are many other types of vectors, such as coplanar, parallel, opposite, concurrent, collinear, fixed vectors…
