Types of vectors in physics with images & Examples

In this topic, we will learn about different types of vectors like a unit, free, null vector, like, unlike, coplanar, position, initial, proper, negative, and equal vectors.   Further, we will learn with examples of vectors to get a better understanding.
Suggested video: Vectors

Types of vectors

In general, there are 12 types of Vectors in Physics which are:

• Proper vectors
• Axial vectors
• Inertial or pseudo vectors
• Unit Vectors
• Free Vectors
• Position Vectors
• Negative Vectors
• Null Vectors
• Like Vectors
• Unlike Vectors
• Equal vectors
• Co initial vectors

Proper vectors

Displacement, force, momentum, etc are the proper vectors.

Axial vectors

The vectors which act along the axis of rotation are called axial vectors. For example, angular velocity, torque, angular momentum, angular acceleration are axial vectors.
Read Also: Physical Quantities

Pseudo or inertial vectors

The vectors used to make an inertial frame of reference into the inertial frame of reference are called pseudo or inertial vectors. The vector may be further divided as:

Unit vectors

A unit vector is that whose magnitude is unity i.e 1 and has any given direction only. A unit vector is obtained by dividing the vector by magnitude.

Free vector

A vector that can be displaced parallel to itself and applied at any point is called a free vector.

Position vector

A vector that represents the position of a point with reference to a fixed point is called a position vector.

Negative vector

A vector having the same magnitude as that of the given vector but the opposite direction is called a negative vector.

Null vector

• A vector whose magnitude is zero and has no direction, it may have all directions is said to be a null vector. A null vector can be obtained by adding two or more vectors.

Like or parallel vectors

If two vectors have the same direction but the different magnitude is called parallel or like vectors.

Unlike vectors

Two vectors having opposite directions and unequal magnitudes are called, unlike vectors.

Equal vectors

Two vectors are said to be equal if they have equal magnitudes.

Co -initial vectors

If vectors have a common initial point, then these types of vectors are called co initial vectors.

Co-linear vectors

Vectors are called co-linear if they have in the same line or parallel.

C0-planar vectors

• Vectors that are lying in the same plane are called coplanar vectors.

Related topics

• Difference between vectors and scalar quantities
• Vector dot product and cross product
• Difference between vector dot product and cross product