position vector


of: a point in space (relative to a specified coordinate system)

is: the vector which connects the origin of the coordinate system to the point.   [M2.5, P2.1, P2.7]

is: a special class of displacement (i.e. displacement from the origin of the specified coordinate system.)   [M2.5, P2.1, P2.7]

has magnitude: equal to the distance from the origin to the point.   [M2.5, P2.1, P2.7]

has direction: along the line from the origin to the point.   [M2.5, P2.1, P2.7]

has components: equal to the position coordinates of the point, so (in two-dimensions)    [P2.2]


index


Copyright 1997, The Open University