AP Physics C: Mechanics Flashcards: Scalars and Vectors
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a resultant vector?
A resultant vector is the vector sum of two or more individual vectors.
Card 1 of 11
All Flashcards (11)
What is a resultant vector?
A resultant vector is the vector sum of two or more individual vectors.
Given $\vec{A} = (3\hat{i} + 4\hat{j})$ and $\vec{B} = (2\hat{i} - 1\hat{j})$, find the resultant vector $\vec{C}$.
The resultant vector is $\vec{C}=(3+2)\hat{i}+(4-1)\hat{j} = 5\hat{i}+3\hat{j}$.
How would you express a 2D vector with an x-component of 5 and a y-component of -3 in unit vector notation?
The vector would be expressed as $5\hat{i}-3\hat{j}$.
How do you calculate a resultant vector from the components of two addend vectors?
The resultant vector is found by summing the corresponding components of the addend vectors.
How are vectors visually modeled?
Vectors can be visually modeled as arrows, where the length is proportional to the magnitude and the arrow points in the appropriate direction.
A car travels at a speed of 60 mph. Is this a scalar or a vector?
This is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude (60 mph) and no specified direction.
What is unit vector notation?
Unit vector notation is a way to express a vector as the sum of its components along the standard axes (e.g., $\vec{r}=(A\hat{i}+B\hat{j}+C\hat{k})$).
What is a vector quantity?
A vector is a quantity described by both a magnitude and a direction.
What two properties are used to describe a vector quantity?
A vector quantity is described using both magnitude and direction.
What is a scalar quantity?
A scalar is a quantity described by its magnitude (a numerical value) only.
What does the length of an arrow representing a vector signify?
The length of the arrow is proportional to the vector's magnitude.