Real World Vector Examples

In this section you will see how vectors can be visualized in physics problems, and how they exist in the world around us, in the abstract sense of course, not literally.

In the following examples, you will see vectors represented as forces of gravity, as velocity, acceleration and speed, as amplitudes for waves, and much more! This will help you as a student understand and get a glimpse of how vectors are useful in Physics in describing the world around us.

As you view these examples, take note of how these vectors are represented. What properties of vectors do you notice? Do you see any vector scaling, addition or subtraction? Do you see any unit vectors, does the magnitude of the vector change? As you ask yourself these questions and think about them, this will help you as a student understand the concept of vectors more clearly not only now, but when learner higher physics concepts.

1. Bouncing Ball