Question

Give a specific example of a vector, stating its magnitude, units, and direction.

Short answer

Force $\left(\stackrel{\rightharpoonup }{F}\right)$ is a vector quantity with a magnitude of 50 N and directed along the positive x-direction.

Step-by-step solution

Vector

Quantities with both magnitude and direction are called vectors. A vector quantity could be displacement velocity, acceleration, or force.

Determine an example

We deal with force, which is a vector quantity, on a daily basis. It is impossible to characterize the force acting on a body without noting its direction. Suppose a block is being pushed by some external force F of magnitude 50 N along the positive x-direction is represented as:

Force acting on a block

Hence, force $\left(\stackrel{\rightharpoonup }{F}\right)$ is a vector quantity with a magnitude of 50 N and directed along the positive x-direction. Here, N (Newton) is the S.I. unit of force.