0
A vector is characterized by a magnitude, direction and sense of direction. If you are referring to the magnitude of a vector, it cannot be negative because of the way the magnitude is calculated. For example, vector F has components Fx and Fy. The magnitude of F is (Fx^2+Fy^2)^(1/2)
However, you could see something like -F. What you are really looking at is multiplying a vector, F by -1. What this means is that -F has the same magnitude and line of action as F, but has an opposite direction as F.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Can the magnitude of a vector be negative?
No, the value can't be negative because magnitude of a vector is just how long it is regardless of its direction. :-)
Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?
The magnitude of a vector is always treated as non negative and the minus sign indicates the reversal of that vector through an angle of 180 degree.
Can scalar be a negative number?
Yes, a scalar can be a negative number. For instance: c<x₁,x₂> = <cx₁,cx₂> such that <x₁,x₂> is a vector. Let c = -1 for instance. Then, we have this vector: <-x₁,-x₂> Compared to <x₁,x₂>, <-x₁,-x₂> has negative signs. In physics and mathematics, if we multiply the vector or something by a negative value scalar, then the direction of the vector is reversed, and the magnitude stays the same. If the magnitude increases/decreases, and the direction of the vector is reversed, then we can multiply the vector by any negative non-1 scalar value.
What is different between negative vector and null vector?
A null vector has no magnitude, a negative vector does have a magnitude but it is in the direction opposite to that of the reference vector.
Can be magnitude of a vector have negative value?
Vectors have magnitude and direction. The magnitude is always a positive number.
Can the magnitude of a vector has negative value?
can a magnitude of a vector has negative value?
Can the magnitude of a vector be negative?
No, the value can't be negative because magnitude of a vector is just how long it is regardless of its direction. :-)
Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?
The magnitude of a vector is always treated as non negative and the minus sign indicates the reversal of that vector through an angle of 180 degree.
Is any quantity having a positive and negative values a vector?
No, vector, besides a value, has also a direction.
Can scalar be a negative number?
Yes, a scalar can be a negative number. For instance: c<x₁,x₂> = <cx₁,cx₂> such that <x₁,x₂> is a vector. Let c = -1 for instance. Then, we have this vector: <-x₁,-x₂> Compared to <x₁,x₂>, <-x₁,-x₂> has negative signs. In physics and mathematics, if we multiply the vector or something by a negative value scalar, then the direction of the vector is reversed, and the magnitude stays the same. If the magnitude increases/decreases, and the direction of the vector is reversed, then we can multiply the vector by any negative non-1 scalar value.
What is different between negative vector and null vector?
A null vector has no magnitude, a negative vector does have a magnitude but it is in the direction opposite to that of the reference vector.
When should you express a vector along the x-axis as a negative vector?
You express a vector along the X-axis as a negative vector when the arrow representing the vector would point toward negative x.
Can be magnitude of a vector have negative value?
Vectors have magnitude and direction. The magnitude is always a positive number.
What is meant by negative vector?
It is a vector that has the opposite direction to the reference positive direction. (A vector is one point in space relative to another.) Negative vector is the opposite direction
Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative vector?
No because magnitude is like length and you cannot have negative length
When should you express a vector along the x axis as a negative vector?
When the arrow representing the vector would point toward negative x.
Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value and why?
Scalars can be negative, and so can a change in a scalar value.Take temperature:You can have a temperature of -10 degrees.If temperature falls from 20 to 5 degress, the change was -15 degree.The negative value of the scalar is a consequence of where you take the "zero" to be.With speed you have to be very careful because speed is the scalar bit of velocity. Velocity with no consideration of direction.
