Vectors

The field of vectors have a number of practical applications in physics and every day life.

Knowing the fundamentals of adding, subtracting, multiplying (dot and cross) provides a view in to multi dimensional spaces. The basic premise of a vector is the ability to refer to it both in magnitude and direction.

The most frequently used example is around a boat crossing the river, where you need to get from one bank to another whilst taking in to consideration the currents flowing across and the effort (or force) applied by the boat. It illustrates the forces at work to determine the exact point of exit.

The more interesting examples are the calculations done when trying to understand the relative motion. This includes understanding relative motion of F1 cars at very high speeds overtaking one another or the more scarier situations in air travel when their multiple forces at play.

Vectors are a beautiful concept to understanding your environment. Learn the basics and see how they are applied in computer games, modelling wind tunnels and other fascinating areas of everyday practical usage.