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Foundations of Physics

Vector

A physical quantity characterized by both a magnitude and a spatial direction.

Governing formula A = Ax i + Ay j + Az k
SI unit Various

In depth

Vectors obey vector algebra rules such as vector addition via tip-to-tail, dot products, and cross products. Rotating coordinate axes changes a vector's individual components while leaving its magnitude and physical orientation invariant.

Examples in the real world

Velocity (e.g., 60 km/h North), force (e.g., 10 N downward), acceleration, magnetic field strength, and displacement.