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The real world is a three-dimensional world and so the study of dynamics, begun in Chapter 3, has to be extended to two and three dimensions. For this purpose, the concept of vector physical quantities is introduced in this chapter. The basic ideas of addition of vectors, vector components and of unit vectors are explained in an initial mathematical briefing (Section 4.2). Further ideas of vector analysis and vector calculus are introduced in stages throughout the book as these tools are required; a brief summary of some of the basic rules of vector analysis and vector calculus are listed in Appendix A (Sections A.11 and A.12). It is important that you attempt to consolidate any vector concepts encountered in this book with other material on vectors that you may have covered in previous or concurrent mathematics courses.

IMPORTANT: Great care needs to be taken when expressing vector quantities in handwriting; unless such physical quantities are clearly indicated as vectors, your handwritten notes will turn out to be confusing and misleading. There are different conventions for indicating vector quantities in handwriting (see below) and it is advisable to pick one and stick to it.