DP Physics (last assessment 2024)
Syllabus sections »

1.3 – Vectors and scalars

Description

Nature of science:

Models: First mentioned explicitly in a scientific paper in 1846, scalars and vectors reflected the work of scientists and mathematicians across the globe for over 300 years on representing measurements in three-dimensional space. (1.10)

Understandings:

  • Vector and scalar quantities
  • Combination and resolution of vectors

Applications and skills:

  • Solving vector problems graphically and algebraically

Guidance:

  • Resolution of vectors will be limited to two perpendicular directions
  • Problems will be limited to addition and subtraction of vectors and the multiplication and division of vectors by scalars

Data booklet reference:

 

International-mindedness:

  • Vector notation forms the basis of mapping across the globe

Theory of knowledge:

  • What is the nature of certainty and proof in mathematics?

Utilization:

  • Navigation and surveying (see Geography SL/HL syllabus: Geographic skills)
  • Force and field strength (see Physics sub-topics 2.2, 5.1, 6.1 and 10.1)
  • Vectors (see Mathematics HL sub-topic 4.1; Mathematics SL sub-topic 4.1)

Aims:

  • Aim 2 and 3: this is a fundamental aspect of scientific language that allows for spatial representation and manipulation of abstract concepts.

 

Directly related questions

Sub sections and their related questions

None