Related Links

Unit Vector

Definition Of Unit Vector

The Unit Vector of a vector v is given as  where |v| is the magnitude or norm of the vector v.

More About Unit Vector

The magnitude of a unit vector is 1
Dot product of two unit vectors is the cosine of the angle of the angle between them.

Example of Unit Vector

The unit vector in the direction of the vector v =<1, 2=""> can be found in the following way: Magnitude of the vector v =|v| = 
Unit vector in the direction of v is given as 
Hence, the unit vector in the direction of v is = 

Video Examples: Unit Vectors

Solved Example on Unit Vector

Ques: Which of the following is the unit vector in the direction of the vector v= <9, 12="">?

Choices:


Correct Answer: A

 

Solution:

Step 1: v = <9, 12="">.
Step 2: Magnitude of the vector v = |v| = = 15 [Use the formula to find the magnitude of v.]
Step 3: Unit vector in the direction of  [Write the unit vector of v] 
Step 4:= () <9, 12="">
Step 5: