What are vectors used for?

Answer: A vector is an imaginary arrow used to represent any physical quantity (such as velocity, force, or momentum) that has both a magnitude and a direction. The magnitude means "how much", for example, how much speed, how much force, etc. The direction tells which way the velocity or force is pointing.

If I am flying from Paris to London I might have a velocity of 200 meter per second, pointing due north. Direction is important in physics. If I want to push your car to get it to move forwards, I need to get in back and push forwards. If I get in front and push backwards, you might not be too happy with me!

Some people might even consider vectors to be the heart of mechanics (the branch of physics that deals with motion and forces). Without vectors many aspects of physics would be very difficult.

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