Magnitude

Definition

Magnitude is the size or length of a vector. It represents the distance from the origin to the point in a coordinate system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Magnitude is always a non-negative value.
2. The magnitude of vector $\mathbf{A}$ with components $(A_x, A_y)$ is calculated as $\sqrt{A_x^2 + A_y^2}$.
3. In two-dimensional kinematics, magnitude helps determine displacement and velocity vectors.
4. Magnitude provides no information about the direction of the vector.
5. It is often represented by enclosing the vector symbol in absolute value bars, e.g., $|\mathbf{A}|$.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate the magnitude of a vector given its components?
• What does the magnitude of a velocity vector represent in kinematics?
• Why is the magnitude always non-negative?

Related terms

Vector:

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Displacement:

The change in position of an object, represented as a vector.

$\mathbf{\text{Unit Vector}}$: $\mathbf{\text{A vector with a magnitude of one, used to indicate direction.}}$