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Vectors in Physics
Objectives

Chapter Objectives

After studying this chapter, you should:

  1. know how to represent vectors both graphically and mathematically.

  2. know the difference between scalars and vectors.

  3. be able to determine the magnitude and direction of a vector.

  4. be able to determine the components of a vector.

  5. be able to write a vector in unit vector notation.

  6. know how to add and subtract vectors both graphically and algebraically.

  7. be able to represent position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration as two-dimensional vectors.

  8. be able to use velocity vectors to analyze constant velocity relative motion.

Notes on Physlets®:

Physlets® require Java version 1.1 and a browser that supports JavaScript to Java communication. (JavaScript to Java communication is sometimes called LiveConnect.) Appropriate browsers are available on PCs running Win98/NT/ME/2000/XP and most UNIX platforms including Solaris and Linux. Currently, Physlet® Problems will not run on a Macintosh Power PC Classic since the browsers for this platform do not support both Java 1.1 and Java to JavaScript communication. (See notes below*.)

On PCs, the Physlets® work best with the Internet Explorer 4 Web browser or higher. If you are using Netscape, we recommend Netscape Communicator 4.7. The recommended system requirements to use Physlets® are: a Pentium 200 with 64 MB RAM with either Netscape 4.7 or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. Your Internet connection should be through your school's local area network. Using a 28.8 modem will result in dramatically increased load times.

Note to Windows XP users: Your copy of Windows XP may not have shipped with Java installed. You must then download and install Java. The latest VM is 1.4.1_1. You can get it directly from Sun http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/.

AOL is not recommended but it usually works. If AOL users have a problem with AOL's native browser they should try using the Mozilla browser after establishing their connection with AOL. In at least some versions of AOL it is necessary to have connected via AOL LInk.

*If you are using OS X (at least, 10.2.1) and Java (at least, 1.3.1) get the latest version of the Mozilla Browser. The Mozilla Browser is the parent of current Netscape browsers.

Send questions to Carl@CarlAdler.org.



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