The combination of force and direction is called a vector . It is represented by a line with an arrow head pointing in the direction of the applied force. Sometimes the length of the line can be used to represent the amount of force. Usually force is simply given by a number. The example that follows has three force vectors.
Forces happen to objects.
And in calculating their effect on the object two other things are needed. These are a common reference point and a set of coordinates that establishes plus and minus directions. So with the following three items we can begin determining what the forces are on a static object. In addition to the force vector we have to be concerned about how a force could cause an object to rotate. This is called a moment.