GCSE Maths Practice: vectors
This question explains the meaning of the zero vector.
Both components are zero → no movement.
The zero vector is \(\begin{pmatrix}0\\0\end{pmatrix}\) and represents no displacement or movement in any direction. In two dimensions, the top number indicates movement across (x-axis) and the bottom number indicates movement up or down (y-axis). Since both components are zero, there is no movement horizontally or vertically. Understanding the zero vector is important because it acts as the identity element in vector addition: adding the zero vector to any vector does not change the original vector. Recognizing the zero vector also helps identify when objects remain stationary in physics, engineering, and computer simulations. Practicing with zero vectors, unit vectors, and other standard vectors builds a solid foundation for vector arithmetic, vector diagrams, and problem-solving in coordinate geometry.