AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
A vector quantity may be represented by an arrow.
Full specification wording
Scalar and vector quantities: A vector quantity may be represented by an arrow.
An arrow is the standard way of showing a vector on a diagram because it carries both pieces of information at once.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
An arrow is the standard way of showing a vector on a diagram because it carries both pieces of information at once. Draw it with a ruler, starting at the object or at the point where the quantity acts, with a single arrowhead showing the direction, and label it with what it represents. A weight arrow is drawn from the object towards the centre of the Earth, which on a diagram of a satellite in orbit is not simply 'down the page'. When several vectors appear on the same diagram, draw them to a consistent scale so that a longer arrow really does mean a larger quantity, and keep every arrow separate rather than joining them into a single line.
What earns the marks
- The arrow starting at the object or at the point where the quantity acts.
- The arrow pointing in the correct direction, such as towards the centre of the Earth for the weight of an orbiting satellite.
- A single ruled arrow with one arrowhead, labelled with the quantity it represents.
- Drawing all the vectors on the diagram to the same scale.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Drawing a double-headed arrow, so no direction is shown.
Drawing the gravitational force on an orbiting object straight down the page instead of towards the centre of the Earth.
Sketching arrows freehand at arbitrary lengths when a scale is in use.
Leaving arrows unlabelled so the examiner cannot tell which force is which.
Drawing the arrow from the Earth to the satellite when the force asked for acts on the satellite.
Exam tips
- Check which object the force acts on before you decide where the arrow starts.
- Use a ruler even for a rough diagram; a wavy line can be read as the wrong length.
- Label the arrow with the name of the quantity, not just a number.
Try the lesson
The start of the Scalar and vector quantities: A vector quantity may be represented by an arrow. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of these quantities is a vector quantity that may be represented by an arrow?
Listen
An arrow is the standard way of showing a vector on a diagram because it carries both pieces of information at once. Draw it with a ruler, starting at the object or at the point where the quantity acts, with a single arrowhead showing the direction, and label it with what it represents. A weight arrow is drawn from the object towards the centre of the Earth, which on a diagram of a satellite in orbit is not simply 'down the page'. When several vectors appear on the same diagram, draw them to a consistent scale so that a longer arrow really does mean a larger quantity, and keep every arrow separate rather than joining them into a single line. A strong answer earns marks for these points. the arrow starting at the object or at the point where the quantity acts. the arrow pointing in the correct direction, such as towards the centre of the Earth for the weight of an orbiting satellite. a single ruled arrow with one arrowhead, labelled with the quantity it represents. drawing all the vectors on the diagram to the same scale. Exam tip: Check which object the force acts on before you decide where the arrow starts.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Point the arrow in the correct direction
- 2. Draw a single ruled arrow with one arrowhead
- 3. Start at the object or at the point where the quantity acts
- 4. Keep every arrow separate rather than joining them into a single line
- 5. Draw all vectors on the diagram to the same scale
- 6. Label the arrow with the quantity it represents
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
representing vectors
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
arrow conventions
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direction on a diagram
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consistent scale
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See every definition
- representing vectors
- A vector quantity may be represented by an arrow, because the arrow carries both pieces of information at once.
- arrow conventions
- Draw the arrow with a ruler, starting at the object or at the point where the quantity acts, with a single arrowhead showing the direction.
- direction on a diagram
- A weight arrow is drawn from the object towards the centre of the Earth, which on a diagram of a satellite in orbit is not simply 'down the page'.
- consistent scale
- When several vectors appear on the same diagram, draw them to a consistent scale so that a longer arrow really does mean a larger quantity.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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