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GCSE Physics · key term
The way in which a vector acts or points, stated using words, a bearing or a sign relative to a chosen positive direction.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 2.2 · Paper 1
Revise: Vector QuantitiesA vector quantity needs two pieces of information: its magnitude and its specific direction. Magnitude means size, so it is usually given by a number and a unit. Direction tells you which way the quantity points or acts.
Give both parts of the definition: a vector has a magnitude and a specific direction.
A value and unit alone do not fully specify a vector. For velocity, for example, include a direction such as “east” or “to the left”.
In an arrow diagram, use the arrowhead to determine direction and the arrow length to compare magnitude.
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