Explain the meaning of multiplication of vectors by real numbers with an example.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Multiplying a vector $\vec{A}$ with a positive real number $\lambda$ results in a new vector $\lambda \vec{A}$ whose magnitude is $\lambda$ times the magnitude of $\vec{A}$,and its direction remains the same as that of $\vec{A}$.
$|\lambda \vec{A}| = \lambda |\vec{A}|$ (for $\lambda > 0$)
For example,if $\vec{A}$ is multiplied by $2$,the resultant vector $2\vec{A}$ points in the same direction as $\vec{A}$ and has a magnitude twice that of $|\vec{A}|$,as shown in figure $(a)$.
Multiplying a vector $\vec{A}$ by a negative real number $\lambda$ results in a vector $\lambda \vec{A}$ whose direction is opposite to that of $\vec{A}$ and whose magnitude is $|\lambda|$ times the magnitude of $\vec{A}$.
For example,multiplying $\vec{A}$ by $-1$ and $-1.5$ gives vectors as shown in figure $(b)$.
The factor $\lambda$ can also be a scalar with physical dimensions. In such cases,the dimension of the resulting vector $\lambda \vec{A}$ is the product of the dimensions of $\lambda$ and $\vec{A}$. For instance,multiplying a constant velocity vector $\vec{v}$ by a time interval $t$ gives a displacement vector $\vec{d} = \vec{v}t$.
Dimensions of $\vec{v} = [LT^{-1}] = m/s$
Dimensions of $\vec{v}t = [LT^{-1}] \cdot [T] = [L] = m$

Explore More

Similar Questions

If $F_1$ and $F_2$ are two vectors of equal magnitudes $F$ such that $|F_1 \cdot F_2| = |F_1 \times F_2|$,then $|F_1 + F_2|$ is equal to

If the projection of $2 \hat{i} + 4 \hat{j} - 2 \hat{k}$ on $\hat{i} + 2 \hat{j} + \alpha \hat{k}$ is zero,then the value of $\alpha$ will be.

$\overrightarrow A = 2\hat i + 4\hat j + 4\hat k$ and $\overrightarrow B = 4\hat i + 2\hat j - 4\hat k$ are two vectors. The angle between them will be ........ $^o$.

$A$ vector perpendicular to $\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k}$ is:

Which of the following statements is true regarding the vector product of two vectors?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo