Class 12 Mathematics — Chapter 4: VECTOR ALGEBRA

What you'll learn

• ▸Scalars and Vectors
• ▸Vector Representation and Magnitude
• ▸Position Vector
• ▸Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios
• ▸Types of Vectors
• ▸Triangle Law of Vector Addition
• ▸Subtraction of Vectors

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- 12080CH10 Chapter 10 VECTOR ALGEBRA * In most sciences one generation tears down what another has built and what one has established another undoes. In Mathematics alone each generation builds a new story to the old structure. – HERMAN HANKEL 10.1 Introduction In our day to day life, we come across many queries such as – What is your height? How should a football player hit the ball to give a pass to another player of his team? Observe that a possible answer to the first query may be 1.6 meters, a quantity that involves only one value (magnitude) which is a real number. Such quantities are called **scalars**. However, an answer to the second query is a quantity (called force) which involves muscular strength (magnitude) and direction (in which another player is positioned). Such quantities are called **vectors**. In mathematics, physics and engineering, we frequently come across with both types of quantities, namely, scalar quantities such as length, mass, time, dista…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

1. Apply vectors to real-world flight? Get Solution →
2. Compare scalars with vector examples? Get Solution →
3. Visualize vector magnitude and direction? Get Solution →
4. What is a quantity that has only magnitude called? Get Solution →
5. Which of the following is an example of a vector quantity? Get Solution →
6. A vector whose initial and terminal points coincide is called a... Get Solution →
7. What is a vector with a magnitude of one unit called? Get Solution →
8. In the vector AB, what is the point A called? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 GPS systems use complex vector calculations to determine precise locations.
• 💡 Migrating birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field, sensing an invisible vector.
• 💡 Ocean currents are powerful vectors, moving water with specific speed and direction.
• 💡 Gravity is a universal vector, always pulling objects towards the Earth's center.
• 💡 The concept of vectors evolved from quaternions, invented by William Hamilton in 1843.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Chapters