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Examples of vector quantities in physics include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum.
In physics, a vector quantity is one that has both magnitude and direction. This is different from a scalar quantity, which only has magnitude. Understanding vector quantities is crucial because they provide more detailed information about physical phenomena.
Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object. It is not just about how far the object has moved, but also in which direction. For example, if you walk 5 metres north, your displacement is 5 metres north.
Velocity is another vector quantity and is defined as the rate of change of displacement. It tells you how fast something is moving and in which direction. For instance, if a car is travelling at 60 km/h to the east, its velocity is 60 km/h east.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It indicates how quickly an object is speeding up or slowing down, and in which direction. If a car increases its speed by 10 m/s² to the north, its acceleration is 10 m/s² north.
Force is a vector quantity that causes an object to accelerate. It has both magnitude and direction. For example, if you push a box with a force of 20 newtons to the right, the force is 20 newtons rightward.
Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity. It is a vector because it depends on the direction of the velocity. For example, if a 2 kg ball is moving at 3 m/s to the south, its momentum is 6 kg·m/s south.
Understanding these vector quantities helps you to analyse and predict the behaviour of objects in various physical situations, making them fundamental concepts in GCSE Physics.
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