types of vectors in physics with images

A vector is represented graphically by a directed line segment or an arrow head line segment.The length of line,according to the scale chosen ,represents the magnitude of the vector while arrow head indicates the direction.Also they follow triangle law of addition.For example force,acceleration,torque,momentum ,angular momentum etc.To represent a vector we need:

1. A suitable scale
2. Reference axis x,y & z axis ,vertical and horizontal directions or the directions of east and west,north and south.

Types of vectors

In general vectors may be divided into three  types.

• Proper vectors
• Axial vectors
• Inertial or pseudo vectors

Proper vectors

Displacement ,force,momentum etc are the proper vectors.

Axial vectors

The vectors which act along the axis of rotation are called axial vectors.For example ,angular velocity,torque,angular momentum,angular acceleration are axial vectors.

Pseudo or inertial vectors

The vectors used to make an inertial frame of reference into inertial frame of reference are called pseudo or inertial vectors.Vector may be further divided as:

• Unit vectors

A unit vector is that whose magnitude is unity i.e 1 and has any given direction only.A unit vector is obtained by dividing the vector with magnitude.

• Free vector

A vector which can be displaced parallel ti itself and applied at any point is called a free vector.

• Position vector

A vector that represents the position of a point with reference to a fixed point is called position vector

• Negative vector

A vector having the same magnitude as that of given vector but opposite direction is called negative vector.

• Null vector

• A vector whose magnitude is zero and has no direction,it may have all directions is said to be a null vector.A null vector can be obtained by adding two or more vectors.

• Like or parallel vectors

If two vectors have the same direction but different magnitude are called parallel or like vectors.

• Unlike vectors

Two vectors having opposite directions and unequal magnitudes are called unlike vectors.

• Equal vectors

Two vectors are said to be equal if they have equal magnitudes.

• Co -initial vectors

If vectors have a common initial point,then these types of vectors are called co initial vectors.

• Co-linear vectors

Vectors are called co-linear if they have in same line or parallel.

• C0-planar vectors

• Vectors which are lying in same plane are called co- planar vectors.

Related topics

• Difference between vectors and scalar quantities
• Vector dot product and cross product
• Difference between vector dot product and cross product