Vectors and scalars

Nature of science:

Models: First mentioned explicitly in a scientific paper in 1846, scalars and vectors reflected the work of scientists and mathematicians across the globe for over 300 years on representing measurements in three-dimensional space. (1.10)

• Vector and scalar quantities
• Combination and resolution of vectors

Applications and skills:

• Solving vector problems graphically and algebraically

Guidance:

• Resolution of vectors will be limited to two perpendicular directions
• Problems will be limited to addition and subtraction of vectors and the multiplication and division of vectors by scalars

• Vector notation forms the basis of mapping across the globe

Theory of knowledge:

• What is the nature of certainty and proof in mathematics?

Utilization:

• Navigation and surveying (see Geography SL/HL syllabus: Geographic skills)
• Force and field strength (see Physics sub-topics 2.2, 5.1, 6.1 and 10.1)
• Vectors (see Mathematics HL sub-topic 4.1; Mathematics SL sub-topic 4.1)

Data booklet reference:

• Aim 2 and 3: this is a fundamental aspect of scientific language that allows for spatial representation and manipulation of abstract concepts