ABSTRACT
Vectors are an important part of the language of science, mathematics, and engineering. They are used to discuss multivariable calculus, electrical circuits with oscillating currents, stress and strain in structures and materials, and flows of atmospheres and fluids, and they have many other applications. Resolving a vector into components is a precursor to computing things with or about a vector quantity. Because position, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, and angular momentum are all vector quantities, resolving vectors into components is a most important skill required in any engineering studies. The chapter explains the difference between scalar and vector quantities. It shows that how vectors are added and subtracted, both by drawing and by calculation and finding the resultant of two or more vectors has many uses in engineering.
