The important aspects of scalar and vector quantities are summarized below.

VECTOR IDENTIFICATION

Vectors are symbolized in specific ways in texts and on graphs, using letters or rectangular coordinates.

In Written Materials

In textbooks, vector quantities are often represented by simply using a boldfaced letter (A, B, C, R). Particular quantities are predefined (F - force, V - velocity, and A - acceleration). Vector quantities are sometimes represented by . Regardless of the convention used, specific vector quantities must include magnitude and direction (for example, 50 mph due north, or 501bf at 90⁰).