Position, displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight, and momentum are examples of vector quanti- ties. The direction of a vector is stated using square brackets behind its magnitude. Scalar quantities include such things as mass, time, distance, speed, work, and energy, to name but a few. Vector quantities are represented on a diagram by a directed line segment , drawn to scale , with reference coordinates to show direction. The tail of a vector is called the origin and the tip is called the terminal point .
Equivalent vectors have the same magnitude and direction.
Collinear vectors can be added algebraically or graphically. The resultant vector is obtained from vector addition. Graphical addition of vectors is performed on a neat, accurate, scale diagram. Non-collinear vectors exist in more than one dimension. Many important applications in kinematics and dynamics require an understanding of vectors.