Definition:Direction
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Definition
The direction of a vector quantity is a measure of which way it is pointing, relative to a particular frame of reference.
Also see
Also known as
The direction of a vector quantity is also known as its orientation.
However, this can be confused with its topological or graph-theoretical meanings.
Sources
- 1933: D.M.Y. Sommerville: Analytical Conics (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {II}$. The Straight Line: $9$. Parallel lines. Points at infinity
- 1951: B. Hague: An Introduction to Vector Analysis (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text I$: Definitions. Elements of Vector Algebra: $1$. Scalar and Vector Quantities
- 1966: Isaac Asimov: Understanding Physics ... (previous) ... (next): $\text {I}$: Motion, Sound and Heat: Chapter $3$: The Laws of Motion: Forces and Vectors
- 1968: Murray R. Spiegel: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 22$: Vectors and Scalars
- 1970: George Arfken: Mathematical Methods for Physicists (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$ Vector Analysis $1.2$ Rotation of Coordinates
- 1975: Patrick J. Murphy: Applied Mathematics Made Simple (revised ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Mechanics: Chapter $1$: Mechanics: $(2)$ Characteristics of a Force: $\text{(b)}$
- in which context it is applied to a force only