Vectors

Ed and Charlie are chasing down a bandit. They, along with the Chief of Police (pursuing in a helicopter), determine where the bandit must turn and calculate the point at which Ed and Charlie would intercept him. Vectors are defined, classified, and proved different from scalar quantities. We begin to see how to find the correct vector for the task at hand.

The resultant is the sum of two vectors. We begin with the adding of two vectors that meet at a right angle. This allows the use of the Pythagorean theorem. Finding the resultant is more dependable than reading instruments on a moving vehicle–simply because those instruments don't factor in the outside forces.

Besides using standard measurements, vectors can be designated with the ordered pair, labeled (X, Y). This show also discusses finding the quantities of a resultant whose two base vectors do not meet at a right angle.

How do you figure out the resultant of two vectors without relying on the grid of a Cartesian plane? This program builds by leaps and bounds from the previous three shows.

So far, we've looked at vectors in terms of distance and direction. Velocity, for instance, is a vector quantity. But so are other forces acting all around us. Animated men show the wrong use of force in trying to push a sled.

Forces are at work all around, and once again we figure out the most efficient use of forces. We see that there is more force on pushing a load than just lifting it. Also touched on is the angle of rooftops and hills, and the complex forces involved there.